Capable, fair, and accountable public institutions are essential for effective governance and sustainable development. Corruption is a major obstacle to development and a corrosive influence on governance. Reform efforts to overcome corruption have tended to focus on measures to prevent, detect, and punish bad behavior. An alternative to traditional anticorruption strategies is to focus on institutional integrity. An institution should function in a way that is fit for its purpose; the actions of that institution’s stakeholders should be guided by a common purpose and shared values. Institutional integrity is now on the international agenda. This study includes an examination of Tetra Tech DPK’s experience promoting a flexible and adaptive framework for self-assessment, planning, and implementation by local actors. Organizations that have adopted this approach have been enthusiastic and conscientious about applying this framework to achieve continuing progress.
