Date of Conferral

2018

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Policy and Administration

Advisor

Mark Gordon

Abstract

Many observers are concerned about the ramifications of the policy regulation in Nigeria that allows public servants to accept gifts without restriction on the basis of culture. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to better understand this cultural practice and its implications for the integrity of public servants. Using Mettler and SoRelle's conceptualization of policy feedback theory, the research questions focused on the perceptions of leaders of civic organizations on this cultural practice in relation to the integrity of public servants in a particular region of Nigeria. Data were collected from 10 purposely selected leaders of civic organizations using open-ended, semi-structured interview protocols, and other publicly available documents. The data were subjected to an inductive coding procedure followed by thematic analysis. Findings suggested that the perceptions of the cultural practice of unrestricted giftgiving in the public service were negative and unethical. Consequently, the findings suggested an amendment to the relevant sections of Nigerian Constitution to provide for a restricted monetary value of gifts allowable in the public service. The implications for positive social change include discussing how policy makers and practitioners may be able to act on the study findings to bring about ethical, effective, and efficient public service in Nigeria.

Download

Share

 
COinS