Approach
AN INNOVATIVE APPROACH
The SOAS-ACE approach represents a comprehensive methodology for understanding and addressing policy-distorting corruption, developed through years of rigorous research and practical application. This approach is grounded in three interconnected elements that collectively facilitate a nuanced understanding of actors engaged in the complex landscape surrounding policy-related resources.
- Observing the behaviour of various actors engaged around a flow of policy-related resources, who may affect the allocation and use of those resources, looking in particular for situations where some actors are following the rules rather than engaging in corruption;
- Analysing and understanding how actors’ behaviours are influenced by their own interests, their relationships with other actors, and the systems they are part of, with their behaviours in turn shaping the dynamics of those systems; and
- Crafting feasible and impactful policy proposals that either enhance and extend rule-following by leveraging peer monitoring of rule-breakers by actors who are following the rules, or enable rule-following behaviours that were previously absent.
A Distinctive Framework for Political Feasibility
The SOAS-ACE approach is marked by its commitment to crafting politically feasible reforms that can be effectively implemented within specific political economies. Rather than merely advocating for stricter enforcement mechanisms, it prioritises a systemic perspective that aligns incentives and reinforces relationships essential for sustainable solutions.
By employing a theory-driven framework, the approach acknowledges that the behaviours and relationships of actors are significantly influenced by their relative powers, capabilities, and interests.
Key to this understanding is the categorisation of three critical characteristics:
Power refers to actors’ abilities to navigate conflicts over resource allocation, driven by their economic, organisational, or ideological strengths. This power can either be exercised to uphold rules or to violate them, depending on the affiliations and interests involved.
Capabilities denote the ways in which actors generate their livelihoods. Productive capabilities often lead to a preference for environments conducive to rule enforcement, while unproductive capabilities may encourage behaviour that undermines rules. This distinction is vital for understanding actors’ motivations in corrupt contexts.
Interests relate to whether actors will actively support rule enforcement. Even capable actors may opt for collusion with corrupt officials if it seems more beneficial than adhering to productive activities. Thus, a comprehensive analysis of interests is necessary to identify potential supporters of anti-corruption measures.
Understanding Actor Behaviour in Corruption-Prone Environments
The focus on power, capabilities, and interests forms a robust analytical framework that elucidates why actors behave in specific ways within environments prone to corruption. By examining interactions among these elements tailored to particular contexts, the SOAS-ACE approach enables stakeholders to pinpoint actors who are likely to support or resist anti-corruption initiatives. This framework also clarifies the reasons behind the successes or failures of anti-corruption interventions and guides the formulation of effective policies tailored to specific environments.
Transformative Impacts on Development Outcomes
Ultimately, the SOAS-ACE approach aims not only to combat corruption but also to enhance development outcomes. By strategically informing policies that foster the growth of productive capabilities, the approach aspires to transform social and systemic dynamics. This transformation is crucial for enabling more ambitious reforms and fostering inclusive developmental outcomes that contribute to a more equitable society over time.
In a landscape where corruption diverts essential resources and disrupts effective governance, the SOAS-ACE methodology provides invaluable insights and practical tools for crafting meaningful change. Through its systemic lens and commitment to political feasibility, it stands poised to support sustainable development initiatives that address the root causes of corruption.
CASE STUDIES
Case Study: Mini-Grid Solution to Corruption in Nigeria’s Electricity Sector
Nigeria’s electricity sector, plagued by inefficiency and corruption, poses a daunting reform challenge. This case study demonstrates how an analysis of the sector’s political economy dynamics led to a solution to bypass the current corruption-ridden power network and establish a reliable electricity supply for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Case Study: Reducing Corruption in Bangladesh’s Climate Adaptation Projects
This case study delves into Bangladesh’s political settlement and sectoral dynamics to identify opportunities for reducing corruption in climate adaptation investments. It highlights how ‘dual-use’ climate adaptation projects offer opportunities for reduced corruption through stronger monitoring by influential actors.
STRATEGIES
We have identified three strategies to finding feasible solutions to corruption in different sectors and contexts. These strategies aim to ensure that it is in the interests of enough players, with sufficient bargaining power, capabilities and interests in a sector, to enforce rules that prevent corruption.
