Structural Barriers to Development: How Nepotism and Corruption Undermine Public Administration and Economic Growth
Structural Barriers to Development: How Nepotism and Corruption Undermine Public Administration and Economic Growth

Summary/Abstract: Research background: This study examines nepotism and corruption as structural barriers to development, focusing on their impact on public administration, institutional effectiveness, and economic performance in long- transition countries. Using data from Kosovo’s judicial and prosecutorial institutions, the research highlights persistent systemic weaknesses. Purpose of the article: The article aims to explain how nepotism and corruption function as mutually reinforcing institutional problems, using a theoretical approach grounded in governance and institutional analysis. Methods: The study is based on empirical data from judicial and prosecutorial bodies in Kosovo, including case-processing times, indictment rates, and backlog statistics. A descriptive institutional analysis was applied to identify key performance gaps. Findings & Value added: The findings show that nepotism disrupts merit-based recruitment and weakens administrative professionalism, while corruption reduces accountability, investor confidence, and effective policy implementation. The evidence also indicates significant delays, low indictment rates, and enforcement gaps shaped by political influence and limited institutional capacity. The study adds value by demonstrating how these factors create a self-reinforcing cycle that obstructs governance reforms and broader socio-economic development.

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