Getting Things Done by the Book, by Hook or by Crook

Abstract

Governance is about how public officials deliver services that affect the everyday lives of ordinary people. In the best governed societies, education, health care, policing, the courts and permits are delivered by the book, that is, in keeping with bureaucratic rules. But in many countries some officials do not always follow these rules. Informal hooks for getting services include social capital networks, knowing people with political connexions or pleading for help. If none of these is effective, a crooked strategy of paying a bribe may deliver what is wanted. Even if people do pay bribes, thisdoes not mean that they think it is right to do so. Bribery is regarded as a lesser evil than doing without services that people want or need which would otherwise be withheld by corrupt public officials.