Anatomy of corrupt practices in Nigeria: implications on workers and the economy

Abstract

Corruption though a universal phenomenon has some peculiarities associated with developing countries. Widespread corruption is a symptom of a poorly functioning state, and a poorly functioning state will invariably, lead to a low economic development and poor workers welfare. Within the context of a developing nation, the paper examines the social, cultural, political and economic factors that encourage corruption and corruptive practices in Nigeria. Since corruption breeds poverty, impoverishment of workers and the economy, the study investigates the detail by exploring the types of actions, conditions, structures and/or practices that are robustly related to corruption such as a democratic system that is corrupted by-special interest and selfish motives, no free press to expose corruption, weak accountability, lack of a vibrant anti-corruption agency, ill-prepared legal institution, no educated electorate to remove unethical leaders, etc. The role of occupational social workers in the education about the effect of corruption, emotional and psychic therapy of both the giver and receiver of bribe was looked at. The study extends the literature on corruption in several directions.