Cultural norms and corruption in Malaysia’s civil service: a new institutional theory perspective

Despite the existence of extensive anti-corruption frameworks in Malaysia, corruption continues to persist within the civil service, indicating weaknesses not only in regulation but also in policy implementation. Although institutions such as the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and ministry-level integrity units have been strengthened, corruption-related outcomes remain inconsistent, reflected in fluctuating Corruption Perceptions Index scores and limited disciplinary action against misconduct. Existing reform approaches often emphasise formal rules and institutional mechanisms while overlooking the influence of informal cultural norms on everyday bureaucratic behaviour. This research addresses a critical gap in the literature, which lacks empirical investigation into the mechanisms through which cultural norms influence civil servants’ daily interpretations of integrity, corruption, and compliance within bureaucratic settings. This study examines how cultural norms shape civil servants’ interpretations of integrity, influence anti-corruption efforts, and affect policy compliance within Malaysia’s civil service. Using a qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 informants selected through purposive sampling across enforcement, administrative, integrity, and policy-related positions. Data were analysed using thematic analysis, guided by New Institutional Theory. The study focuses on the Malaysian civil service between 2013 and 2025, with emphasis placed on lived experiences and institutional practices. Findings show that while corruption is formally understood as a violation of rules, it may be culturally rationalised in practice. Addressing the question of how norms influence civil servants’ perceptions, findings imply that practices such as gift-giving and favouritism are legitimised through narratives of obligation, loyalty, and social harmony. Regarding the question of how they support or undermine anti-corruption initiatives, findings suggest that cultural norms create an ethical landscape in which compliance becomes largely symbolic. In terms of policy compliance, they may substantially influence the patterns of compliance, generating a persistent gap between policy design and bureaucratic practice. This study critiques technocratic, one-size-fits-all reform models and concludes that sustainable integrity cannot be legislated into existence in isolation from cultural realities. Instead, anti-corruption strategies must engage with the informal cultural and institutional dynamics that shape administrative behaviour. This study contributes to the understanding of corruption as a socio-institutional phenomenon and highlights the importance of culturally informed reform approaches in strengthening integrity and compliance within public administration.