Learning effects of anti-corruption reform in public organisations: explanations from social psychological theory

Existing studies based on institutional or rationalist approaches have limitations in explaining changes in individual ethical behaviour and thus propose social psychological models that can offer alternative explanations. We conduct surveys of over 5,000 civil servants in South Korea before and after the implementation of an anti-corruption policy in 2016. Our analysis shows the role of cognitive and social changes in shaping individual motivation to engage in ethical behaviour. Civil servants who are more aware of the policy are not only willing to behave more ethically than those less aware but also increase their motivation to do so over time.