Corruption and traditional african moral value systems

This study focused on socio-cultural moral' value systems that it believed are responsible for abetting corruption in the Kenyan society since traditional communal attitudes and beliefs seem to have toned down' condemnation of corrupt persons especially if the suspect comes from ones' community. The main argument of this study was that some traditional African moral' values have undermined the fight against corruption. The study has established that moral values like respect,reciprocation and trust can become vices if they are interpreted and practiced wrongly.If trust is wrongly interpreted it negates common sense which is vital for human well being. Negative ethnicity breeds egoism at the expense of the common good.African traditional moral values seem to encourage disrespect for formal procedures and regulations thus promoting nepotism hence violating the principle of objectivity and fairness.The study recommends moral empowerment, civic education,genuine democratic governance and whistle blowing as important avenues for fighting corruption.

Autorentext

Mr Douglas Kivoi is a Lecturer of Philosophy at Pwani University College in Kenya.He specialises in Ethics,Human Rights and Public Governance,areas he has researched in extensively.He is also a motivational speaker,Policy and decision analyst.This work is from his PhD thesis at the University of Nairobi where he will graduate in December 2011.

Klappentext

This study focused on socio-cultural 'moral' value systems that it believed are responsible for abetting corruption in the Kenyan society since traditional communal attitudes and beliefs seem to have 'toned down' condemnation of corrupt persons especially if the suspect comes from 'ones' community. The main argument of this study was that some traditional African 'moral' values have undermined the fight against corruption. The study has established that moral values like respect,reciprocation and trust can become vices if they are interpreted and practiced wrongly.If trust is wrongly interpreted it negates common sense which is vital for human well being. Negative ethnicity breeds egoism at the expense of the common good.African traditional moral values seem to encourage disrespect for formal procedures and regulations thus promoting nepotism hence violating the principle of objectivity and fairness.The study recommends moral empowerment, civic education,genuine democratic governance and whistle blowing as important avenues for fighting corruption.