AN ASSESSMENT OF PUBLIC PERCEPTION AND ATTITUDE TOWARDS CORRUPTION IN CAMEROON.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the study

Any civilization that is plagued by corruption is plagued by one of the most perilous societal evils. This is due to the fact that corruption, just like any other dangerous infection, targets the essential structures that are responsible for the progressive functioning of society. This is especially true for developing countries, which have limited but valuable funds and resources that are initially earmarked for industries, hospitals, schools, and other infrastructures. These funds and resources are either completely embezzled, misappropriated, or otherwise severely depleted by agents of the government through kickbacks and over-invoicing. At the individual level, the distribution of jobs or duties is not based on merit or potentials; rather, it is based on who has the money and the inclination to grease the palms of those in power. Merit and potential are not taken into account. 

As a result, there is a rising worry about corruption all over the globe at the moment; the reasons for this may be attributed to a number of different sources. To begin, there is now widespread agreement that corrupt behavior is pervasive across the world. It may be found in all nations, both developed and developing, in both the public and commercial sectors, as well as in charity organizations and non-profits that operate on a not-for-profit basis. Many people in Nigeria are perplexed as to why a nation that is so abundantly endowed, both in terms of human resources and natural resources, but also afflicted and riddled by underdevelopment in perpetuity. Yet, corruption has remained a primary factor in any examination of the reasons why  developing nations growth is being delayed or slowed down, and why the majority of her people have failed to perceive democracy as a route to progress (Tolu & Ogunro , 2022). 

In the context of Cameroon, a nation located in Central Africa with a population that is characterized by cultural variety and a complex socio-political environment, corruption presents a serious challenge to the sustainable development and social well-being of the country. Corruption has been a problem in Cameroon throughout many different areas, including the administration of the government, law enforcement, the court, and commerce. The scale of the issue is regularly brought to light by the ranks of the country in global corruption indices, such as the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) that is compiled by Transparency International. For example, according to the 2020 CPI, Cameroon was placed 153rd out of 180 nations, which indicates that there is a significant amount of perceived corruption within its institutions (Transparency International, 2020). The widespread presence of corruption in Cameroon is made worse by a number of issues, some of which include inadequate regulatory frameworks, inefficient law enforcement, a lack of transparency, and well-established patronage networks. Additionally, the socio-economic gaps that exist within the nation, as well as the unequal distribution of resources, create an environment that is conducive to the growth of corrupt practices, which in turn contributes to the perpetuation of inequality and impedes inclusive development (Mbaku, 2019). 

Another key factor that contributes to the formation of the landscape of corruption in Cameroon is the influence of cultural norms and social attitudes. While some societies may reject corrupt behaviour because they consider it to be morally abhorrent, other cultures may embrace corruption as a means of survival or as an acceptable element of the socio-political fabric. According to Ayuk (2018), it is vital to have an understanding of these cultural processes in order to be able to develop focused interventions that connect with local settings and cultural values. Despite the efforts of the government of Cameroon and civil society to combat corruption via legislative changes, anti-corruption agencies, and awareness programmes, progress has been gradual and unequal for the most part. As a result of difficulties in implementation, institutional flaws, and a lack of political will, anti-corruption efforts have been unable to be successful, which has allowed corruption to continue to exist and even develop (Fombad, 2015).

 Against this context, there is a crucial need for research that goes beyond surface-level evaluations of corruption in Cameroon and digs into the underlying socio-cultural, economic, and institutional elements impacting public views and attitudes towards corruption. In order for policymakers to design targeted measures to fight corruption and reestablish public confidence in governance institutions, it is necessary for them to obtain a greater knowledge of how various sectors of society view corruption and the variables that influence these perceptions.

1.2 Statement of the problem

It is no doubt that A corrupt government is harmful to the country as a whole. The resources that are intended for water supply, roads, education, health, and other fundamental and social services that are grabbed and stolen by a few of  Cameroonians via corrupt activities stifle economic and social progress, which ultimately results in the spread of poverty across the country (Keeper, 2020). Strategies to combat corruption must be grounded in reality, be practical enough to be implemented, and be adapted to the specific circumstances of individual nations. In order for policies to effectively combat corruption, they need to be applied continuously over the course of a significant amount of time. 

Even though corruption was not given an explicit recognition in the traditional theories of economic growth, it has now become a globally recognised policy variable, particularly in less developed countries where it is considered more critical for the achievement of long-term economic growth and sustainable development. This is especially true in countries like Cameroon where economic growth has been stagnant for a significant amount of time. Studies conducted over the years, such as those conducted by Mauro (2017), Akkihal, Smith and Adkins (2019), and Voskanyan (2020), have shown that corruption is capable of producing unfavourable effects even when great economic policies and growth plans are in place. According to the World Bank (2020), corruption is the single most significant barrier to economic and social progress. This is due to the fact that corruption warps the rule of law and undermines the institutional underpinnings upon which economic growth is dependent. Additionally, corruption has been compared to a dangerous virus that infects the essential components of a society that are responsible for its forward-moving functionality. Nevertheless, in spite of the frantic efforts of the government, commentators have reached a consensus that these programmes have failed to fulfil the goals and targets for which they were founded (Ovwasa, 2020; Adesopo, 2018; Omotola, 2018). This is the case despite the fact that the government has made a great deal of effort. According to Afolayan (2021), corruption is still a problem, which results in tremendous pain and unhappiness, as well as the distortion and stifling of progress and development. A vacuum remains in our understanding of the intricate dynamics of how the general populace perceives corruption and the elements that influence their views towards it, despite the fact that it is well acknowledged that corruption is a persistent problem. Due to this information gap, the creation of focused interventions and policy measures that are intended to successfully combat corruption is hampered (Ayuk, 2018). Although there is a lack of thorough research that investigate the varied nature of corruption in Cameroon and its ramifications for society, there is a scarcity of such studies. Existing research often concentrates on legal and institutional factors, ignoring the socio-cultural components and the lived experiences of persons who have been harmed by corruption. 

According to Fombad (2015), the various cultural environment of Cameroon is a contributing factor to the country's varying attitudes and degrees of tolerance towards corruption. It is possible for people' opinions towards corrupt behaviours to be shaped by cultural norms, traditions, and practices, which may either normalise or condemn such activities. Nevertheless, an insufficient amount of research has been done to investigate the particular processes via which cultural influences interact with perceptions of corruption. According to Njong (2017), corruption has far-reaching ramifications for the socio-economic fabric of Cameroon, as it exacerbates existing disparities, hinders access to public services, and stifles economic progress. However, there is a lack of knowledge about the ways in which the tangible effects of corruption impact public opinion and attitudes towards anti-corruption initiatives. It is important for the public to have faith in important institutions, such as the government, the court, and law enforcement agencies, but widespread corruption weakens that confidence (Mbaku, 2019). However, further research is required to determine the degree to which this degradation of confidence influences the propensity of individuals to participate in corrupt acts or to support measures that aim to combat corruption. Even though there are anti-corruption legislation and regulatory structures in place in Cameroon, effective implementation continues to be a struggle for the country. For the purpose of developing anti-corruption strategies that are contextually appropriate, it is essential to have a solid understanding of the obstacles that stand in the way of execution and the variables that influence compliance with anti-corruption measures. There is an immediate need for empirical research in Cameroon that aims to shed light on public views and attitudes about corruption (Mbaku, 2019). This should be done in light of the gaps and limitations that have been previously mentioned. It is possible for policymakers to establish evidence-based interventions that connect with the needs and beliefs of the Cameroonian people if they get insights into the causes and deterrents of corrupt behaviour. This will result in the development of a culture that is characterised by transparency, accountability, and integrity. Hence, the study assess  public perception and attitude towards corruption in cameroon.

1.3 Objective of the study

The broad objective of the study is to assess  public perception and attitude towards corruption in cameroon.. The specific objectives is as follows

To analyze the extent of public awareness regarding various forms of corruption prevalent in Cameroon

To investigate the factors influencing public attitudes towards corruption in Cameroon

To assess the impact of corruption on societal trust and economic development in Cameroon

To propose strategies aimed at fostering transparency, accountability, and integrity in Cameroon's governance systems

1.4 Research questions

The following questions have been prepared to further guide the study

What is the extent of public awareness regarding various forms of corruption prevalent in Cameroon?

What are the factors influencing public attitudes towards corruption in Cameroon?

What is the impact of corruption on societal trust and economic development in Cameroon?

What are the proposed strategies aimed at fostering transparency, accountability, and integrity in Cameroon's governance systems?

1.5 Significance of the study

The findings of the study will be significant to the following

Policymakers: Understanding how corruption is perceived and tolerated within Cameroonian society is essential for informing evidence-based policy interventions aimed at combating corruption effectively. By identifying the drivers and deterrents of corrupt behavior, policymakers can design targeted strategies that address the root causes of corruption and enhance the effectiveness of anti-corruption measures. Insights gained from the study can contribute to the formulation of policies that promote transparency, accountability, and integrity in governance processes.

Academic Contribution: The proposed research fills a crucial gap in the existing literature on corruption in Cameroon by providing empirical insights into public perceptions and attitudes towards corruption. By employing rigorous research methodologies and analytical frameworks, the study contributes to the academic understanding of corruption dynamics in diverse socio-cultural contexts. Furthermore, the findings of the study can serve as a basis for further research and scholarly inquiry into the broader implications of corruption on development, governance, and democracy in Cameroon and beyond.

1.6 Scope of the study

The study focuses on  public perception and attitude towards corruption in cameroon.. Empirically, the study will analyze the extent of public awareness regarding various forms of corruption prevalent in Cameroon, investigate the factors influencing public attitudes towards corruption in Cameroon, assess the impact of corruption on societal trust and economic development in Cameroon and propose strategies aimed at fostering transparency, accountability, and integrity in Cameroon's governance systems.

1.7 Limitation of the study

Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. Insufficient funds tend to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature, or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire, and interview), which is why the researcher resorted to a moderate choice of sample size. More so, the researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. As a result, the amount of time spent on research will be reduced.

1.8 Definition of terms

Corruption: Corruption refers to the abuse of entrusted power for personal gain, often involving the misuse of public resources, bribery, embezzlement, nepotism, or other illicit practices aimed at circumventing legal or ethical standards.

Public Perception: Public perception refers to the collective beliefs, opinions, and attitudes held by members of society regarding a particular issue, phenomenon, or institution. In the context of this study, public perception specifically pertains to how individuals in Cameroon perceive the prevalence, causes, consequences, and legitimacy of corruption within their society.

Attitude: Attitude refers to an individual's predisposition or inclination towards a particular object, person, idea, or behavior. In the context of this study, attitudes towards corruption encompass individuals' subjective evaluations, beliefs, and emotional responses towards corrupt practices, as well as their willingness to engage in or condone such behavior.

Governance: Governance refers to the processes, structures, and mechanisms through which authority is exercised, decisions are made, and resources are allocated within a society. Good governance entails transparency, accountability, participation, and the rule of law, fostering effective and equitable management of public affairs.

Socio-cultural Factors: Socio-cultural factors encompass the cultural norms, values, beliefs, traditions, and social practices that shape individuals' behavior, attitudes, and perceptions within a society. In the context of this study, socio-cultural factors influence how corruption is perceived, tolerated, and addressed within the diverse cultural milieu of Cameroon.

Transparency: Transparency refers to the openness, accessibility, and clarity of information, decision-making processes, and actions undertaken by public officials and institutions. Transparent governance practices enable accountability, enhance public trust, and mitigate opportunities for corrupt practices to flourish.

Accountability: Accountability refers to the obligation of individuals, organizations, or institutions to justify their actions, accept responsibility for their decisions, and be answerable to stakeholders, particularly the public. Accountability mechanisms ensure oversight, deter corruption, and promote integrity in governance.

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