"Impacts Of Corruption On Public Service Delivery: The Case of Selected Government Offices In Holota Town”

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.