The Integrity and Transparency Assessment (ITA): A Case Study of the Office of the Ombudsman

Abstract

This research, “the Integrity and Transparency Assessment (ITA): A Case Study of the Office of the Ombudsman,” The research adopting a mixed methodology, including quantity and quality research methodologies. The quantitative research methodology uses a questionnaire to collect data for Internal and External.On the other hand, the qualitative research methodology employs documentary examination and an in-depth interview. Interviewees officials from the Office of the Ombudsman and from the Office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission. The author describes all research consequences underneath.

The quantitative research result from Internal Integrity and Transparency Assessment (IIT) shows that 30 respondents possess an acknowledgment at the “More” satisfaction level, with the x̄ = 3.53. The quantitative research result from External Integrity and Transparency Assessment (EIT) shows that 31 respondents occupy an acknowledgment at the “More” satisfaction level, with the  x̄ = 3.96.

Under qualitative research methodology, the result demonstrates that the Office has achieved all the integrity and transparency operations under the ITA criteria, especially in the participation aspect, which performs the main characteristic.  In the long run Integrity and Transparency Assessment application, the author introduces ten proposals to the Office of the Ombudsman. First, the Office should establish perception and understanding of the ITA among all its officers. Second, Officers’ high awareness and the right attitude toward the organization should be the Office's critical mission. Third, officers should perceive the overall tasks of the Organization, not just their primary responsibilities. Fourth, there should be a specific commission focusing on the ITA, uniting officers from all departments of the Office. Fifth, organizational communication should be both top - down and bottom-up. Sixth, officers must strictly follow the Organization’s rules and regulations. Seventh, information disclosure should be public-friendly. Eighth, officers should report office management’s related problems and solutions to the Office's Executive level. Ninth, there should be officers taking part in the re-structure of the human resource committee. Tenth, the Executive level should be open to officers’ opinions.