Abstract:
Providing citizens around the world access to public services is at the core of sustainable
development and aims to improve equity and justice across the globe to end poverty, protect the
planet, and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity. This study investigates the impact
of corruption on public service delivery in selected government offices in Holota Town located
44 km west of Addis Ababa in the Oromia region. A mixed-methods approach was employed,
combining both quantitative and qualitative research designs. The study utilized a sequential
research design, beginning with quantitative methods, followed by a qualitative exploratory
approach to fully examine the relationship between corruption and public service delivery. The
target population included community members and employees from five selected offices for
interviews. Using an infinite population formula, the total sample size was determined to be 385,
of
which 342 were used for analysis. Data was collected through self-administered
questionnaires and interviews. The descriptive analysis showed reasonable responses regarding
the influence of organizational, political, social, and economic factors on service delivery.
Correlation analysis identified strong positive relationships between these factors and service
delivery, with social factors exhibiting the highest correlation. Regression analysis further
indicated that social factors had the most significant impact on service delivery, followed by
economic, political, and organizational factors. These findings suggest that effectively
addressing corruption requires a holistic approach that enhances social engagement, promotes
economic fairness, ensures political stability, and strengthens organizational practices.
Recommendations for improving service delivery include enhancing community participation,
improving economic incentives and resource allocation, strengthening political stability and
governance, reinforcing organizational structures and leadership, promoting transparency and
accountability, implementing anti-corruption measures, and fostering cross-sector collaboration.
