A Dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of Master of Science in Accounting and Finance (MSc A&F) of Mzumbe University
This study intended to assess the effects of corporate governance codes on corruption in Tanzania. Specifically it had three objectives; to assess whether corporate governance codes were adhered to in public sector, to assess the impact that corporate governance codes had on corruption eradication campaign in public sector and, finally, to identify key challenges faced by the public sector on corporate Governance codes.
The study had a sample of 40 respondents that were selected on a convenient basis in the ten selected public institutions. Due to time and financial constraints the study involved public institutions in Morogoro region only. The study was descriptive in nature and survey-based. Hence it used interview, questionnaire method in the collection of primary data and observations and documentation in secondary data.
Findings from the field of study revealed the following; first corporate governance codes were adhered to within the selected public institutions and, secondly, corporate governance codes of ethics had an impact on eradicating corruption practices. Moreover, corporate codes enabled the achievement of transparency in the public conduct of government officials, enhanced accountability and adherence to professional ethics by the public sector staff. The study also identified key challenges in making the codes of ethics practical and these included lack of financial resources to assess effectiveness of corporate governance codes of ethics and awareness creation campaigns, absence of employees commitment to avoid corruption due to employees’ own behaviors, inefficiencies in public offices operations for instance payment to suppliers of various resources, negative attitudes of staff built on the existing codes of ethics and, lastly, lack of awareness on the roles played by the codes of ethics.
In conclusion, the study suggested that in order to combat corruption in Tanzania and to improve the state of good governance, a systematic approach has to be undertaken. This involves effecting major changes to the current corporate codes of ethics as well as emphasizing on the need for board of directors and high government officials to make sure they work in the best interest of all individuals rather than for their self-gains.