The Impact Of Political Culture On Corruption In The Public Sector In Zanzibar: A Case Study Of Zanzibar Port Corporation

ABSTRACT

This study aimed at investigating the impact of political culture on corruption in the public sector in Zanzibar with special reference to the Zanzibar Port Corporation. The study was guided by specific objectives, namely, to identify the effects of beliefs on favouritism in the public sector in Tanzania; to assess the influence of values on embezzlement in the public sector; to examine the influence of norms on bribery in the public sector; and to identify measures to control the negative effects of  beliefs, values and norms on favouritism, embezzlement and bribery. The study used simple random and purposive sampling techniques. Interview, questionnaires and documentary review methods were also employed in data collection. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected and analyzed. Qualitative data were subjected to content analysis while quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The study revealed that there is an impact of political culture on corruption in the public sector, resulting in regionalism, greed, bias, self-interest, dishonesty, selfishness and bureaucracy. The findings also showed that values and beliefs influenced embezzlement and favouritism respectively while norms had no influences on occurrence of bribery. The study recommends that in order to respond positively to this situation, responsible measures are needed to control the negative impact of political culture on corruption in the public sector, for example, encouraging and promoting grass root re-orientation of societal norms and values. Also it should inculcate values, beliefs system and effective socio-cultural consciousness among the citizens through the use of family, peer group, media, religions and schools.