WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao's first government-wide integrity baseline scan suggests that the greatest challenge facing public sector integrity may not be a lack of rules, but a gap between formal controls and workplace culture.
The report distinguishes between so-called "hard controls" and "soft controls." Hard controls include policies, procedures, codes of conduct, reporting systems, and administrative safeguards. Soft controls focus on behavior, leadership, trust, communication, and organizational culture.
Researchers found that ministries generally perform better on formal structures than on the cultural factors needed to make those structures effective. In many cases, employees recognize the existence of policies but are less convinced those policies are consistently applied or discussed in daily operations.
The report argues that strong integrity systems require both elements. Rules alone cannot prevent misconduct if employees do not trust reporting systems, feel unable to raise concerns, or rarely see leaders discussing integrity.
The baseline scan repeatedly highlights the role of leadership in setting expectations and creating an environment where ethical behavior is encouraged. Researchers measured whether managers discuss integrity, model appropriate behavior, and take action when issues arise.
The findings suggest that future integrity reforms will need to focus not only on regulations and procedures but also on leadership development, communication, and cultural change throughout the government.