Public Administration Perspective
Network against Network; Designing a Policy Network against networked Corruption in Metropolis Management
Document Type : Based on PhD Thesis
Authors
1 Faculty of Governance, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
2 Associate Prof., Faculty of management and Accounting, Allameh Tabataba'I University, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose: The global challenge of tackling corruption is a key concern for governments worldwide, irrespective of their developmental stage. It is a misconception to believe that corruption is limited to specific nations. Corruption, in its various manifestations, can inflict harm at different levels, from individuals to entire systems. It can establish intricate networks and exacerbate its institutional impact. Effectively addressing corruption demands a high level of intelligence, coherence, and precision in theoretical, analytical, and operational approaches. This article delves into the issue of network corruption and aims to develop a policy framework to combat corruption within metropolitan management networks and gardens. It underscores the universal nature of corruption and the need for a well-crafted strategy to combat it comprehensively.
Design/ methodology/ approach: The article's methodology is qualitative and follows the Constructivist grounded theory. This theory, part of the second generation of grounded theories, offers more flexible and collaborative guiding principles to researchers compared to the first generation (such as Strauss and Glaser's approaches). The coding process in this methodology involves four key stages: initial, focused, axial, and theoretical coding. In this study, a semi-structured, in-depth interview was conducted with 20 participants from five main groups. Four coding stages were utilized, resulting in 465 initial codes, 196 focused codes, and 41 axial codes. These codes were then integrated into main categories using the network theoretical coding framework to present the findings. To validate the results, the findings were assessed against the four criteria proposed by Charmaz and reviewed by experts to ensure their validity and reliability.
Research Findings: The research findings regarding the development of a network to address network corruption in gardens encompass three key levels: the institutional-legal and economic aspects of the network, the network's structure focusing on network types, member characteristics, relationships, obligations, and network performance against corruption, and the power dynamics and benefit distribution mechanisms. A significant discovery highlights the importance of aligning positions in network corruption with those in the anti-corruption network, which theoretically can exert pressure to control and mitigate network corruption effectively.
Limitations & Consequences: The research focuses on the gardens of Tehran metropolis, primarily in the northern regions of the city, within the realm of policy-making in the context of policy formulation during the 1380s and 1390s. Corruption's elusive and intricate nature hinders access to precise and dependable information. Additionally, the study is constrained by its scientific research nature rather than a legal one, which would necessitate accusations and evidence of wrongdoing. Consequently, the research aims to uncover mechanisms without delving into legal implications to avoid potential legal ramifications.
Practical Consequences: The current study introduces a range of proposed policies aimed at garnering interest from decision-makers. Within the policy domain, the focus is on pinpointing deficiencies in garden regulations and offering solutions that accommodate property owners' traditional construction practices. The anti-corruption network is directed towards identifying corrupt structures within gardens, such as gaps, concentrations, corrosive processes, procedures, and spaces. Institutional policy proposals involve activating passive administrative bodies to combat administrative corruption, increasing the risks and exposure of corrupt practices, imposing higher costs on city management officials involved in garden affairs, providing incentives for individuals and organizational support to prevent corruption, and leveraging media and legal resources to combat network corruption. Furthermore, procedural policy recommendations include restricting the avenues for network corruption and impeding its expansion by restructuring administrative processes to deter corruption, implementing case-specific interventions to prevent gardens from being converted into non-garden spaces, and preventing their gradual deterioration or removal.
Innovation or value of the Article: This article has pursued innovations in two areas, which are: the first issue is the development of a network perspective in defining governance issues, especially in the field of corruption and the definition of corruption cycles in metropolitan management, the second aspect involves utilizing the dual nature of anti-network corruption efforts to counter networked corruption, setting up a battle between destructive and constructive networks.
Paper Type: Research
Keywords
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