Governance Quality, Corruption, and Public Service Delivery Outcomes

Abstract

Governance quality and corruption remain central concerns in public administration and development policy, particularly in emerging economies where institutional weaknesses often undermine public service performance. Effective governance structures are expected to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency, thereby improving public service delivery outcomes in sectors such as health, education, and municipal services. Conversely, corruption distorts resource allocation, reduces institutional trust, and weakens service provision. This study investigates the structural relationships among governance quality, perceived corruption, and public service delivery outcomes using an empirical model grounded in Institutional Theory and Principal Agent Theory. A quantitative research design was adopted, and data were collected from 410 citizens and public sector employees through a structured questionnaire. Governance quality was measured through indicators of accountability, rule of law, transparency, and regulatory effectiveness. Corruption was assessed through perceptions of bribery, misuse of public office, and favoritism. Public service delivery outcomes were evaluated through accessibility, quality, timeliness, and citizen satisfaction. Data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling with. Reliability and validity were established through Cronbach alpha, composite reliability, and average variance extracted. Structural results indicate that governance quality significantly reduces corruption and directly improves public service delivery outcomes. Corruption negatively affects service delivery and partially mediates the relationship between governance quality and service outcomes. The model explains 62 percent of the variance in public service delivery outcomes. The findings contribute to governance literature by providing empirical evidence of the mechanisms linking institutional quality to citizen centered service performance. Policy implications highlight the importance of strengthening transparency and accountability frameworks to minimize corruption and enhance service delivery effectiveness.