f Integrity Systems | Professional Standards Councils
Research Library

Research Library

Integrity Systems

While the professional organisation will hold a key role in most integrity systems, its inter-relation with other elements including universities, regulators, government institutions and large organizational employers will determine its capacity to uphold professional standards across the industry. Strategic reform requires paying careful attention to the integrity system as a whole.

Overview

Author(s): Charles Sampford and Hugh Breakey

An ‘integrity system’ constitutes an inter-related network of institutions that work together to facilitate institutional integrity, and remove temptations and opportunities for corruption. Originally developed in the course of anti-corruption efforts in the face of systemic state and police corruption in Queensland, Australia, the ‘integrity systems’ approach works by strategically reforming the entire system of relevant institutions, and the inter-relations between them. Despite its initial focus on state corruption, the insights developed from the integrity systems approach help illustrate how other institutions, including the professions, can be reformed so as to deliver on their publicly stated goals and standards.

In introducing the idea of integrity systems, this title:

  • Defines key concepts of corruption, integrity systems, and governance;
  • Explains the multi-disciplinary approach necessary to reforming institutions;
  • Surveys previous anti-corruption models, including the influential ‘Hong Kong model’; and
  • Describes the applicability of the integrity systems approach to the professions.

 

Download Article

Resources

PAPER
Hugh Breakey, (2014). Dividing to conquer: Employing the separation of powers to structure institutional inter-relations. Research in Ethical Issues in Organizations. Griffith University, Australia.
PAPER
Jeremy Pope, (2000). Confronting Corruption: The Elements of a National Integrity System. Transparency International. Berlin, Germany.
PAPER
Charles Sampford, Rodney Smith and A J Brown, (2005). From Greek Temple to Bird’s Nest: Towards A Theory of Coherence and Mutual Accountability for National Integrity Systems. Australian Journal of Public Administration. Griffith University, Australia.
PAPER
United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), (2006). Definition of basic concepts and terminologies in governance and public administration. New York, 27-31 March 2006, 5th session, agenda item 5.
PAPER
Charles Sampford, (2009). From Deep North to International Governance Exemplar: Fitzgerald's Impact on the International Anti-Corruption Movement. Griffith University, Australia.
BOOK
Hugh Breakey, Tim Cadman and Charles Sampford, (2017). Governing the Climate Change Regime: Institutional Integrity and Integrity Systems. Routledge. UK.
BOOK
Sarah Chayes, (2015). Thieves of State: Why Corruption Threatens Global Security. W. W. Norton & Company. United States.

The Professional Standards Councils acknowledge, respect and value Aboriginal peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we live, walk and work. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and future.