All societies develop their own norms about what is fair behavior and what is not. Violations of these norms, including acts of corruption, can collectively be described as forms of 'grabbing'. This unique volume addresses how grabbing hinders development at the sector level and in state administration. The contributors - researchers and practitioners who work on the ground in developing countries - present empirical data on the mechanisms at play and describe different types of unethical practices.

The book's sixteen case studies explore why certain practices constitute forms of grabbing, what implications they have for the achievement of development goals, and how policy options should take the characteristics of grabbing into account. A broad range of sectors are covered, including extractive industries, construction, ports, utilities, finance, health, pharmaceuticals and education. The authors discuss political checks and balances, democratic elections and the law enforcement system, as well as the government s role in the allocation of land and as a development partner in other countries.

The volume's original approach makes it a valuable resource for researchers and students interested in development, economics, governance and corruption. Development aid practitioners, as well as politicians and public officials in developing countries, will find it a useful aid in their work.

Contributors: I. Amundsen, J. Andvig, T. Barasa, G. Bel, B. Chinsinga, L. Corkin, A. Estache, R. Foucart, S. Gloppen, S.-E. Helle, K. Hussman, E.G. Jansen, P. Le Billon, I. Lindkvist, J. F. Marteau, M. Poisson, G. Raballand, L. Rakner, J.C. Rivillas, I.A. Skage, A. Strand, A. Tostensen, J. Wells, L. Wren-Lewis

About the Author
Edited by Tina Soreide, Professor of Law and Economics, Department of Accounting, Auditing and Law, Norwegian School of Economics, Norway and Aled Williams, U4 Anti-Corruption Resource Centre, Chr. Michelsen Institute (CMI), Bergen, Norway

Reviews
'Tina Soreide and Aled Williams bring both academic depth and real world experience to this volume. . . .The editors perform outstandingly in introducing the collection, organizing the articles usefully, and orienting the reader to the cohesive whole. In fact, the quality of the Introduction is exceptional, a must-read, for content and style.' -- Linda Quest, International Social Science Review
'The content in each chapter is compelling and provides new perspectives for tourism researchers who attempt to specifically focus on tourism competitiveness. In addition, as noted by the editors, the book can also be considered as an essential source of reference for policy-makers.' -- Metin Kozak, Journal of Tourism and Cultural Change
'This is a brave publication. I am not aware of a comparable, eclectic, investigative, in-depth book on this topic. Tina Soreide and Aled WIlliams present an informative, indeed refreshing collection of sixteen case studies from all over the world.' -- Fabian Thiel, Erdkunde
'Informative and refreshing, these short studies from around the world provide fertile ground for discussion, analysis and positive ways forward. In this book, corrupt practices from around the world are examined by experienced practitioners and researchers who shed light on various forms of corruption.' -- Adam Graycar, Australian National University



Book Information
ISBN 9781783472444
Author Tina Soreide
Format Paperback
Page Count 232
Imprint Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd
Publisher Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd