Strengthening Jamaica's Anticorruption Policy with an Independent Agency

Strengthening Jamaica’s Anticorruption Policy With an Independent Anticorruption Agency by Curt A. Brown MS, University College of the Caribbean/Commonwealth of Learning, 2013 BS, University College of the Caribbean, 2010 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Policy and Administration Walden University May 2018 Abstract Corruption is a kind of behavior that undermines good governance. Current research has suggested that Jamaica’s present anticorruption policy is ineffective, and needs strengthening. A civic organization in Jamaica has advocated for an independent anticorruption agency, with both investigative and prosecutorial powers to strengthen Jamaica’s anticorruption policy. Little is known about the perspectives from the Jamaican business community on this concept. The purpose of this study was to discover and understand perspectives from the Jamaican business community on this concept. A framework included in this study is the principal-agent theory, which provides an understanding of the essence and relevance of perspectives from the Jamaican business community. Phenomenological research was used to gain a deep understanding of these perspectives. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 5 business owners and a focus group comprising of 6 business owners. The data were analyzed thematically. Two perspectives were that an independent anticorruption agency with both investigative and prosecutorial powers in Jamaica could result in an improvement in some social benefits for its people, but the agency itself could experience challenges. Participants also thought that a collaboration among societal actors in Jamaica could bring increased success in terms of corruption control. An implication for positive social change is that societal actors in Jamaica can use collaboration to achieve effective public policies for Jamaica.Corruption is a kind of behavior that undermines good governance. Current research has suggested that Jamaica’s present anticorruption policy is ineffective, and needs strengthening. A civic organization in Jamaica has advocated for an independent anticorruption agency, with both investigative and prosecutorial powers to strengthen Jamaica’s anticorruption policy. Little is known about the perspectives from the Jamaican business community on this concept. The purpose of this study was to discover and understand perspectives from the Jamaican business community on this concept. A framework included in this study is the principal-agent theory, which provides an understanding of the essence and relevance of perspectives from the Jamaican business community. Phenomenological research was used to gain a deep understanding of these perspectives. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 5 business owners and a focus group comprising of 6 business owners. The data were analyzed thematically. Two perspectives were that an independent anticorruption agency with both investigative and prosecutorial powers in Jamaica could result in an improvement in some social benefits for its people, but the agency itself could experience challenges. Participants also thought that a collaboration among societal actors in Jamaica could bring increased success in terms of corruption control. An implication for positive social change is that societal actors in Jamaica can use collaboration to achieve effective public policies for Jamaica. Strengthening Jamaica’s Anticorruption Policy With an Independent Anticorruption Agency by Curt A. Brown MS, University College of the Caribbean/Commonwealth of Learning, 2013 BS, University College of the Caribbean, 2010 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Policy and Administration Walden University May 2018 Dedication This research work is dedicated to the people of Jamaica, especially those who have an interest in the development of that country. There are various groups in Jamaica who continuously advocate for effective policies that will lead to a better life for everyone who either lives or intends to live in that country. The current vision for Jamaica is to become a place that people want to live, work, raise families, and do business. Consequently, it is hoped that this research work will contribute to fulfilling this vision. Acknowledgments I must first thank our Lord for enabling me to complete this research. Next, I must express gratitude to my family members for their understanding and support during my entire dissertation journey. Third, I wish to express gratitude to all faculty members and other personnel at Walden University who have provided guidance in relation to this dissertation. Walden University has valuable resources, which contributed to my ability to complete this research project. Special thanks to my dissertation committee members for their decision to serve as reviewers for my dissertation work. Finally, thanks to my friends and coworkers who offered support as well as words of encouragement and advice during my dissertation journey.