Teaching ethical behaviour as a remedy for corruption

Abstract: Purpose: This study focuses on observations, thoughts and beliefs regarding ethical behaviour and corruption and, more specifically, ethics education as a remedy for corruption. Research: The study employed a quantitative survey design to collect data, using self-administered questionnaires from the respondents. The data were then analysed, using descriptive statistics. Reliability statistics were employed to test the reliability of each construct. An interpretivism research philosophy was adopted as the study sought to further elaborate on and investigate a social phenomenon through deconstructing the perceived views of a selected group of individuals. In addition, a qualitative approach was adopted, as this was identified as the best method to investigate and understand the efficacy of ethical behaviour and its impact on corruption, as it would rely on understanding the complex and undocumented opinions of individuals who were either involved in or had been exposed to curriculum content. Findings: Theorists and research have found that a focus on ethics within education, would probably lead to a decrease in corruption, and that ethics and ethical leadership education need to form part of basic, secondary and tertiary education. Value: The interviews provided rich insight into the understanding of respondents in relation to the impact of ethical leadership on corruption, its successes, failures and criticisms. Conclusion: An increased focus on ethical leadership could therefore result in a decrease in corruption, as an enhanced awareness of ethics through educational institutions would result in more ethical leaders being produced