Local integrity systems. Towards a framework for comparative analysis and assessment

A local integrity system encompasses all the policies, practices, and integrity institutions that are meant to contribute to the rectitude of a local government. Little research has been carried out on such systems, as compared to national integrity systems, even though the performance of municipalities in terms of good governance is important for how citizens perceive government more generally. This article proposes a framework, developed inductively from a study of seven cities around the world, that may be used in research and policy evaluation. It concludes with an agenda for further investigation, theory, and policy development.