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Insights into moral hazard and adverse selection in the South African public sector

Mini Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2025.

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Other Authors: Bussin, Mark
Format: Thesis
Language:English
Published: University of Pretoria 2026
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access_status_str Open Access
author2 Bussin, Mark
author_browse Bussin, Mark
author_facet Bussin, Mark
collection Thesis
dc_rights_str_mv © 2025 University of Pretoria. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of Pretoria. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the University of Pretoria.
description Mini Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2025.
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institution University of Pretoria (South Africa)
language English
last_indexed 2026-06-10T12:40:01.664Z
license_str Other — see source repository
provenance_str_mv Harvested via OAI-PMH from UPSpace — University of Pretoria Institutional Repository
publishDate 2026
publishDateRange 2026
publishDateSort 2026
publisher University of Pretoria
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spelling oai:repository.up.ac.za:2263/109214 Insights into moral hazard and adverse selection in the South African public sector Bussin, Mark ichelp@gibs.co.za Seloane, Mmamose UCTD Principal-agent theory Moral hazard Adverse selection Public sector governance Contract management Mini Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2025. This study investigated the manifestations and drivers of moral hazard and adverse selection within the South African public sector. The aim was to understand how these phenomena affect governance, accountability, and service delivery, particularly in the context of principal–agent relationships involving government departments, oversight bodies, and implementing agents. The study adopted a qualitative research approach, using semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders, including agents, representatives from oversight bodies, and principals in various government departments. The approach was grounded in principal–agent theory, which provided a framework for analysing incentive structures, information asymmetries, and accountability mechanisms. The findings show that moral hazard is often perpetuated by weak enforcement of performance contracts and limited consequences for non-compliance. Adverse selection arises from opaque procurement processes and inadequate vetting of service providers. The findings further highlight systemic issues such as misaligned incentives, lack of transparency, and fragmented oversight, which collectively undermine effective public sector performance. The study is limited by its qualitative scope and reliance on interview data, which may not have captured the full extent of the issues across all government departments. Future research could incorporate quantitative analysis or case studies to validate and expand on these findings. There is also scope to explore comparative insights from other developing countries. The findings indicate the need for reforms in contract management and performance monitoring. The study advocates stronger institutional checks, clearer accountability frameworks, and capacity-building for oversight bodies to mitigate moral hazard and adverse selection. Improving governance mechanisms in the public sector could enhance service delivery, restore public trust, and contribute to more equitable socio-economic outcomes. The research supports policy interventions that promote ethical conduct, reduce corruption, and improve the quality of life for South African citizens. This study provides a novel empirical perspective on moral hazards and adverse selection in the South African public sector, grounded in firsthand insights from key actors. It contributes to the literature on public administration and governance by offering actionable recommendations for policy and institutional reform. Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) MBA Unrestricted Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) SDG-16: Peace, justice and strong institutions 2026-03-23T09:42:06Z 2026-03-23T09:42:06Z 2026-05-05 2025 Mini Dissertation * A2025 http://hdl.handle.net/2263/109214 en © 2025 University of Pretoria. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of Pretoria. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the University of Pretoria. application/pdf University of Pretoria
spellingShingle UCTD
Principal-agent theory
Moral hazard
Adverse selection
Public sector governance
Contract management
Insights into moral hazard and adverse selection in the South African public sector
title Insights into moral hazard and adverse selection in the South African public sector
title_full Insights into moral hazard and adverse selection in the South African public sector
title_fullStr Insights into moral hazard and adverse selection in the South African public sector
title_full_unstemmed Insights into moral hazard and adverse selection in the South African public sector
title_short Insights into moral hazard and adverse selection in the South African public sector
title_sort insights into moral hazard and adverse selection in the south african public sector
topic UCTD
Principal-agent theory
Moral hazard
Adverse selection
Public sector governance
Contract management
url http://hdl.handle.net/2263/109214