Determinants of corruption control in public sectors in Northwestern Ethiopia

Abstract Corruption undermines governance, equitable service delivery, and sustainable development in developing economies. This study investigates the determinants of corruption control effectiveness in the public sector, focusing on institutional, cultural, political, economic, ethical, and individual-level factors to explain why corruption control mechanisms remain weak in developing-country contexts. Using an explanatory research design, structured questionnaires were administered across public sector institutions. Descriptive statistics were employed to assess the current status of corruption control mechanisms, while inferential analyses identified significant predictors of control effectiveness. The findings reveal that corruption control mechanisms are generally weak, with institutional, cultural, political, ethical, and individual-level factors significantly influencing effectiveness, whereas economic factors show no statistically significant effect. Based on these findings, the study recommends strengthening institutional frameworks through improved enforcement and administrative capacity. Anti-corruption bodies should ensure independence and accountability via legal safeguards, while policymakers enhance transparency by expanding access to information and digital governance. Educational institutions and civil society should promote ethical awareness through civic education, and public sector leaders should provide continuous ethics training to address individual-level drivers of corruption. These measures are critical to improving corruption control, enhancing public trust, strengthening democratic governance, and promoting inclusive sustainable development. The study contributes empirical evidence on the multidimensional determinants of corruption control in a developing-country context, offering practical and policy-relevant insights for governments, anti-corruption agencies, and international development partners.