Value co-creation in fighting corruption: evidence from Hong Kong

As the theory of value co-creation argues, the existence and necessity of public service, along with ensuing satisfaction, trust and confidence in the service, are determined by those who receive it and participate in its production. Their perceptions and evaluations shape the current and future development of the service. Following this theory, the study illuminates the importance of value co-creation as not only a theoretical concept but also a practical approach, along with the viability of its application in public governance. It draws on corruption prevention in Hong Kong as a case study to reveal how integrity-related public values can be propagated in society as a consequence of anti-corruption efforts. It finds that anti-corruption success hinges on three important value-based factors at the societal level: social support for fighting corruption, trust and confidence in government, and zero public tolerance of corruption. The findings of this study underscore that corruption prevention transcends the mere exposure of corruption cases and the prosecution of corrupt individuals. Its fundamental goal is to induce profound changes in social values, while these changes can only take place through joint efforts between the government and its citizens.