Once basic principles have been formulated, education and awareness raising
can be implemented through a variety of activities. As with the substantive
content, the means of communicating will vary to some degree depending on the
target audience. A strong national anti-corruption programme will incorporate a
number of possible options, and a flexible approach to developing or modifying
communications plans should the need arise. Means such as surveys of the
officials involved and members of the public with whom they deal should also be
employed to provide feedback information to help planners assess which
methods are effective and which require modification or replacement. Some
communications options include the following:
• Media of broad or general distribution, such as radio, television and print
media can be used to reach the general population. Information can be
disseminated not only using advertising and public service announcements,
but also news coverage. Officials who provide information to the media should
not manipulate or distort the information, but should ensure that the media are
well briefed about both successes and failures in the fight against corruption.
In reaching general populations, factors such as literacy, formulation of
materials in appropriate linguistic and cultural formats, and the access of
target populations to appropriate technical facilities (e.g., telephones, radio or
television receivers etc.) must also be considered.
• Where available, the Internet and other computer or communications networks
can be used, both to disseminate messages about corruption and as a
possible means of encouraging and facilitating reports by those who encounter
it. A major advantage is the flexibility of computers in formulating, storing and
disseminating information. Major disadvantages include a lack of access to
computers and networks among some countries and population groups, and
the need for basic standards of technical proficiency and literacy to operate
them. Evidence does, however, suggest that such problems are being
overcome.
• Seminars, meetings or workshops can be conducted for specific stakeholders
to discuss problems and suggest actions. Though costly and time-consuming,
that format offers the advantages of a detailed examination of any materials
offered and two-way communication with participants. Meetings can be used
to brief participants on various matters, including anti-corruption projects, and
to canvass their views about what should be done and how best to explain it.
They may also provide a valuable opportunity for specific groups to explore
ethical issues and develop ethical principles for themselves.
• Public enquiries or hearings can be conducted into corruption in general or to
examine specific corruption problems or cases. While examining corruption
on a case-by-case basis is relatively inefficient, it can provide a detailed and
transparent examination of problem areas and draw conclusions that may be
relevant to other areas. In many countries, such enquiries are limited
somewhat by the possibility or presence of criminal proceedings and the
procedural rights of accused persons in such proceedings. The State may
have to choose between prosecution and an enquiry, or delay any enquiry in
some cases until all relevant criminal proceedings have been exhausted.
• Surveys can be used to gather, analyse and publicize information about, for
example, the actual rates or frequency of corruption, public perceptions of
corruption, the effectiveness of anti-corruption measures and the general
overall performance of public administration and its integrity. Surveys tend to
measure subjective perceptions of corruption rather than an objective measure
of its actual nature and extent. In most strategies, however, objective and
subjective assessments will both be important requirements.
• The criminal law is often overlooked as a communications medium. As noted
above, however, the development, enactment and publication of criminal
offences and procedures concerning corruption set absolute minimum legal
standards of behaviour and, in many cases, moral standards too.
Criminalization of corrupt behaviour by the legislature sends a powerful
message, making it difficult for those engaged in corruption to rationalize or
morally justify their behaviour.
• Publication of information about investigations, prosecutions and other
proceedings, such as disciplinary proceedings, in corruption cases can also
send a strong deterrence message. It also gives the media a chance to
explore the nature and costs of corruption in the context of actual cases, which
tends to attract greater public interest than if the same materials are published
in the abstract.
• The production and dissemination of a national strategy for integrity and anticorruption
measures can also be used to send a message both to the general
public and to the specific groups to which the measures will apply. The
materials disseminated should be in a format that is likely to interest and be
understood by the target audience.
• The publication of more detailed materials in specialized media, such as public
affairs programming on television or radio, and academic or professional
journals, provides an opportunity for a more in-depth exploration of critical
issues. Materials directed at academic and professional groups, as well as the
media itself, should be formulated both to educate members of the group and
to assist them in educating others. It is important for academic experts to
participate in national strategies, both as a source of policy advice and
analysis and as competent external reviewers of Government proposals. Their
participation should be supported with resources and access to information.
• Many existing materials produced by Governments, intergovernmental
organizations and non-governmental organizations, can also be used
effectively, either by disseminating them verbatim, or as sources of information
for other more closely targeted materials. Examples include this UN Anti-
Corruption Toolkit and international instruments such as the OECD and OAS
Conventions. Many academic and professional articles also provide useful
research and policy analysis and are an important means of transferring
expertise and experience from one country to another.
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