Consequences of corruption in a public university and records as a tool for concealing malpractice

Abstract

Corruption has emerged as one of the critical issues in institutions of higher learning. The fight against corruption has become increasingly sophisticated and as such requires a multi-disciplinary approach. Records are key in providing evidence that can be used to convict perpetrators. However, while records are supposed to provide evidence of malpractices, some records are manipulated to supply wrong information and by so doing, corruption is concealed and perpetuated in universities. The study aimed at establishing how corruption is hidden and perpetuated through the use of some records in a public university in Zimbabwe, yet records should serve as proof of malpractices. The study was underpinned by the post-positivist paradigm, and the quantitative research approach was used. The study adopted a survey design with questionnaires administered to the four administrative sections of the university. The results indicated that abuse of authority, favouritism and tribalism were common forms of corruption in this higher institution of learning. The study concluded that while corruption is cancerous and evil, and tarnishes the image of this institution, it is the poor records management practices that contribute immensely to higher levels of malpractices. The study recommends improved records management and that there should be civics and ethics education on corruption in order to curb the cancerous spread of malpractices in this university.