The relationship between corruption and economic development : lessons from Zimbabwe’s public enterprises

Abstract: This research sought to understand the lessons that can be drawn from Zimbabwe’s public enterprises on the relationship between corruption and economic development. The researchers adopted a qualitative design based on purposively sampled state enterprises. Data were collected using focus group discussions (FGDs) and key informant interviews from the various stakeholders that included the government, civil society, academia and the private sector in Zimbabwe. Four FGDs were conducted while 14 key informant interviews were done face-to-face with the respondents. Data obtained from interviews and FGDs were analysed thematically. The paper affirms that, indeed, corruption does not only disadvantage the poor but strangles economic development, reduces social services and diverts investments in organisations important to the survival of the nation. In addition, the paper makes a valuable and unique contribution to the different stakeholders’ understanding of how their different concerns and interests are represented and negotiated for the sustainable economic transformation of any given country