Motivation of Youth Engaged in Small and Microenterprises in Combating Corruption: The Case of Adama City.

Abstract

The major purpose of this study was to assess the motivation of youth who are involved in small micro-enterprises to combat corruption. Specifically, the study focused to identify the perceptions of youth in combating corruption; examine the extent of youth motivation in combating corruption; and explore the presence of significant differences between male and female youth perception about corruption and motivation to combat corruption. In order to attain these objectives attempt was made to answer basic research questions of the study: how corruption is perceived by youth who engaged in small and microenterprises about corruption; what is the motivation of youth who engaged in small and microenterprises in combating corruption; and is there significant differences between male and female youth perception and motivation in combating corruption. To answer this study questions a descriptive research method was employed. The data were gathered from randomly selected sample, respondents using self-administered questionnaire and interview. The questionnaire was initially distributed to 398 respondents; and 385 (96.73%) of them had correctly filed and returned the questionnaire. Furthermore, to complement the finding obtained through the questionnaires, interview was conducted with six officials. Then, the data collected were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. Quantitative data collected through the questionnaire were organized in tables and graphs; and analyzed using descriptive statistics. In addition, the qualitative data obtained through open ended questions and the interview were presented following the analysis of the quantitative data with respect to the topics they were associated with each tables and graphs. From the analysis and interpretation of data, the following findings were obtained: youth did not properly understand corruption; they perceived corruption as it was useful and necessary to some extent; and there were no significant differences between male and female respondents understanding about corruption. Youth were unwilling to report corruption because of lack of proper action on reported’ corruption and fear of revenge; majority of youth anticipated corruption as it can be increased in the future; and lower level of youth readiness to combat corruption was observed. Finally, on the bases of the findings; conclusions and possible recommendations were made. The recommendation, include like conducting training; working collaboratively with stakeholders; and implementing proclamations genuinely.