A lack of genuine political commitment will hamper either the establishment or the proper functioning of any anti-corruption institution. For example, politicians may support the anti-corruption agenda to appease the donor community, international monitoring bodies, foreign investors or the domestic public.
These include a variety of factors on the macro- and micro-economic levels—the institution will more likely fail if it is operating in an environment of endemic corruption, in a highly state-controlled economy, or in an environment that lacks basic macro-economic stability and a transparent tax system. Similarly, under-funding the institution thwarts its effectiveness due to lack of adequate resources.
No anti-corruption institution can work in a vacuum. An institution’s effectiveness is closely linked to the overall performance of other institutions. If other public institutions are highly deficient or defective, the anti-corruption institution will likely fail, even when perceived as an “island of integrity.”
These include a number of factors related to the general state of the rule of law in a particular country, the functioning of the criminal justice system, and the courts – all of which have an indirect impact on the performance of any anti-corruption institution. Similarly, if an institution’s status, responsibilities and powers are determined by an inadequate legal basis, the institution is vulnerable to pressure.
Inappropriate organisational structures (e.g. modelled on foreign models without adequate appreciation of local specificities), priorities and focus can significantly contribute to the failure of anti-corruption institutions. As mentioned above, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Often a focus on investigation is detrimental to important preventive, analytical and educational measures.
Anti-corruption institutions often become victims of their own promises and public expectations. The establishment of an institution raises expectations and links its effectiveness to the questionable short-term perception of the rise or drop of the level of corruption, or is evaluated against unrealistic benchmarks and objectives. The performance is likewise often undermined by the lack of staff with relevant skills and experiences.
The public should be aware of the existence, mandate, functions and performance of an anti-corruption institution. Well-established civil society organizations, free media and a relatively high level of public confidence in the institution, as well as the institution’s openness to and cooperation with civil society, are important when facing political attacks.
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