AN ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF INSTITUTIONAL INTEGRITY COMMITTEES IN SELECTED LOCAL COUNCILS

Abstract

This study is an assessment of the implementation of the Institutional Integrity Committees in selected councils in Malawi. The study is significant because it offers an analysis of the factors that hinder the development of the local integrity system in Malawi. The study adopted a qualitative approach using analysis of documents, key informant interviews and focus group discussions to obtain information. Using a Policy Implementation theoretical framework, through the Ambiguity-Conflict model and combined with the Local Integrity System Assesment framework, the study sought to understand the organisational factors that have both contributed and weakened to the implementation of Institutional Integrity Committees in selected local councils. The study points to several factors as being responsible for the minimal performance of these committees. These are lack of leadership commitment and support, operational weaknesses such lack of planning for integrity issues. The study therefore concludes that despite efforts to revitalize the National Anti-corruption Strategy, there are organizational factors that work against such positive strides. The study proposes further research to examine the effectiveness of the committees since the study has been conducted in the early period of the implementation.