| A qualitative phenomenological study was conducted to identify and describe the challenges of government leaders with regard to addressing corrupt practices in sub-Sahara Africa. Twelve senior government leaders were interviewed to explore their perceptions on corrupt practices in Sub-Sahara Africa. A qualitative phenomenological research method developed by van Kaam and modified by Moustakas was the selected research design. Interview data collected resulted in five themes encompassing the need for change in education and behaviors among citizens, media freedom, government transparency, election reform, and global sanctions. The findings led to recommendations to assist government leaders in the combat of corruption: (a) civic education of ethics, (b) reform of the legal and political system, (c) improvement of procurement procedures, (d) stringent court and departmental punishment, and (e) engagement of civic organizations in the war against corrupt practices. Research papers have explored incidences of corruption in sub-Sahara Africa; however, few have directly sought the point of view of leaders with regards to challenges of corrupt practices and within this grouping, none has ever sought leader's own responses on lived experiences pertaining to corrupt practices. The findings of this study filled this void. The study findings provide a fresh perspective of challenges of corrupt practices particular to leaders in sub-Sahara Africa that extend beyond the prevailing theories of corruption. |
