Integrity Norms of Multilateral Development Bank Employees

• Published in: Journal of International Development Studies Vol. 24; no. 1; pp. 33 - 45
• Main Authors: YOKOUCHI, Nobutada, MATOUS, Petr, OZAWA, Kazumasa
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: The Japan Society for International Development 15.06.2015
• ISSN: 1342-3045; 2434-5296
• DOI: 10.32204/jids.24.1_33

As funding agencies for infrastructure projects, multilateral development banks play crucial roles in preventing the occurrence of fraud and corruption. This research employs a mixed methods approach to investigate the integrity norms of a multilateral development bank. A questionnaire survey was conducted to explore two aspects of integrity norms—procurement processes and social interactions—among employees working at a multilateral development bank. A regression analysis revealed that more experienced employees displayed looser integrity norms in procurement processes relative to those who were less experienced; additionally, employees directly responsible for project delivery and those hired internationally displayed looser integrity norms with respect to social interactions. A qualitative interview with and a focus group discussion among the employees indicated that their more lenient approaches toward integrity norms may result from adaptive practices intended to produce effective project delivery.