The value of institutional memory, or why reforms do not eradicate corruption in Ukraine (on the example of judicial reform in 2016-2019)

Abstract

There has been made an attempt in the article to systematize various concepts of institutional memory and demonstrate both positive and negative aspects of this phenomenon. Has been proposed a preliminary classification of institutional memory carriers (custodians). Has been analyzed the mechanism of interaction between institutional memory and such a widespread phenomenon in Ukraine as corruption is. On the example of results of judicial reform in 2016-2019 and extraordinary events in the new-created Supreme Court the connection between institutional memory destruction and transmission of corruptive practices has been established. Has been emphasized that professional personnel are the basis for positive manifestations of institutional memory. On the other hand, reckless personnel experiments and miscalculations in work with personnel lead to institutional memory deformation and emasculation, causing reproduction of the worst corruptive practices. Has been highlighted the disability of establishing good salary for public officials to become an effective preventing mechanism against corruption. On account of the Supreme Court’s central place in the system of national judiciary, there have been proposed two methods of action for the agencies responsible for maintaining law and order, regarding the further investigation of likely corruption manifestations in this specific institution.

Keywords

• institutional memory, judiciary, judicial reform, supreme court, manifestations of corruption, corruptive practices