Preserving evidence integrity: the key to efficient anti-corruption investigations

IF 0.8 Q3 INFORMATION SCIENCE & LIBRARY SCIENCE

Records Management Journal Pub Date : 2024-05-24 DOI:10.1108/rmj-03-2023-0016

Aliyu Abubakar Lawan, Pekka Henttonen

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Abstract

Purpose This study aims to examine the connection between the integrity of records and the effectiveness of anti-corruption investigations. The objective is to determine how the quality of records affects the efficiency of anti-corruption investigations. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a qualitative, exploratory case study approach, with data collected through interviews with 15 anti-corruption investigators in 2020 in Nigeria. The data were analysed using thematic analysis. Findings The results indicate that the efficiency of anti-corruption investigations depends on the quality of the evidence. Proper recordkeeping, which maintains the integrity of records, is crucial for efficient anti-corruption investigations. Inadequate recordkeeping practices that do not adhere to the lifecycle concept are often driven by corruption and can significantly hinder the efficiency of anti-corruption investigations by causing delays in obtaining crucial evidence. Originality/value From a records management perspective, this study highlights the impact of unreliable evidence on every corruption investigation effort and the motives behind rendering the process unproductive. Accountability forums must enforce adherence to proper recordkeeping procedures to ensure the desired investigative outcomes with minimal resources, time and effort to combat corruption.

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维护证据完整性：高效反腐败调查的关键

目的本研究旨在探讨记录的完整性与反腐败调查的有效性之间的联系。本研究采用定性、探索性案例研究方法，通过采访尼日利亚 2020 年的 15 名反腐败调查员收集数据。研究结果表明，反腐败调查的效率取决于证据的质量。妥善保存记录，保持记录的完整性，对于高效开展反腐败调查至关重要。不遵守生命周期概念的不适当的记录保存做法往往是由腐败驱动的，会导致在获取关键证据方面的延误，从而严重阻碍反腐败调查的效率。原创性/价值从记录管理的角度来看，本研究强调了不可靠证据对每项腐败调查工作的影响，以及导致调查过程无成效的背后动机。问责论坛必须强制遵守适当的记录保存程序，以确保以最少的资源、时间和精力取得预期的调查成果，从而打击腐败。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Records Management Journal INFORMATION SCIENCE & LIBRARY SCIENCE-

CiteScore

3.50

自引率

7.10%

发文量

期刊介绍： ■Electronic records management ■Effect of government policies on record management ■Strategic developments in both the public and private sectors ■Systems design and implementation ■Models for records management ■Best practice, standards and guidelines ■Risk management and business continuity ■Performance measurement ■Continuing professional development ■Consortia and co-operation ■Marketing ■Preservation ■Legal and ethical issues