Designing and Validating Administrative Corruption Prevention Model based on Psycho-Contextual Etiology and Representation of the Impacts of Administrative Corruption on Citizens' Lives

Aim: Administrative corruption prevention in Iran lacks models based on psychological research. This study aimed to design and validate the "administrative corruption prevention model based on psycho-contextual etiology and representation of the impacts of administrative corruption on citizens' lives". Methods: In the first phase (identification of the perception of public employees about the psychological and contextual factors that prevent corruption), data were collected using phenomenological method and semi-structured interviews with 14 public employees working in public sector organizations in Tehran, who were selected using convenience sampling and considering saturation principle. In the second phase (identification of the citizens’ perception about the effects of corruption on their lives), data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with 15 Tehran residents, who were recruited via convenience sampling and considering conceptual saturation. In the third phase (determining the dimensions and components of the model), using delphi method and surveying eight experts, who were selected via the purposive sampling, the model was assessed and modified. Results: The results of data analysis in the first phase led to formation of six main themes: cognitive characteristics, emotional patterns, personality characteristics, behavioral strategies, familial background, and organizational context. In the second phase, two main themes emerged: negative individual consequences and negative collective consequences. The third phase showed that the agreement of the expert panel with the whole model was 92.61% and with each component was 88% or higher, confirming the validity of the model. The model was finalized with five dimensions and 13 components. The dimensions are: ‘appropriate selection and appointment’, ‘individual and group counseling interventions’, ‘behavioral strategies training’, ‘organizational culture modification and promotion’, and ‘monitoring and feedback’. Conclusion: A set of individual and contextual components have a potential role in self-control towards committing corruption. The presented model can be used and evaluated in designing and implementing preventive programs.