PublicationsThe U4 Blog

U4 Helpdesk Answer

The efficacy of geographic staff rotation in preventing corruption in the customs sector

Geographic staff rotation is a measure widely used by customs administrations to prevent the emergence of corrupt practices. Though, in theory, rotation could be effective in reducing the incidence and volume of bribes, it also entails significant operational implications in terms of resources and potential efficiency losses. Therefore, if not implemented adequately, it may lead to ineffective or counterproductive outcomes to reduce corruption.

Also available in Spanish and French
19 September 2023
Download PDF
The efficacy of geographic staff rotation in preventing corruption in the customs sector

Main points

  • Geographic staff rotation is an established practice used in the customs sector to prevent the formation of new or disrupt existing relationships that lead to corruption.
  • Almost only economic models and laboratory experiments suggest that rotation can be effective in reducing the incidence and volume of bribes exchanged between a client and public official.
  • The measure may be limited to target entrenched networks and relationships underpinned by social norms.
  • Rotation may lead to an increase in corruption if not implemented fairly and deliberately.
  • It carries significant operational implications, such as a burden on resources and potentially causing short and long-term efficiency losses.
  • A one-size fits all approach to geographic staff rotation should be avoided and it should be implemented carefully with an eye to contextual factors and in tandem with other integrity measures/safeguards.

Cite this publication


Bergin, J. (2023) The efficacy of geographic staff rotation in preventing corruption in the customs sector. Bergen: U4 Anti-Corruption Resource Centre, Chr. Michelsen Institute (U4 Helpdesk Answer 2023:21)

Download PDF

Disclaimer


All views in this text are the author(s)’, and may differ from the U4 partner agencies’ policies.

This work is licenced under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International licence (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)

Photo