Harnessing Disruptive Innovation to Combat Corruption in Small and Medium Enterprises in Harare, Zimbabwe: Strategies for Sustainable Development

Abstract: Sustainable development is compromised by corruption in small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs). The operational realities of SME were overlooked by current anti-corruption initiatives, which concentrate on extensive corporate governance and public sector reforms. Due to their restricted budget, lack of internal controls, and intimate ties to local authorities, these emerging companies, which were essential drivers of economic growth and job creation, were disproportionately vulnerable to petty bribery, extortion and procurement fraud. The goal of the research was to scrutinise disruptive technologies, new business models, and creative governance practices that SMEs may use to get around the drawbacks of conventional anti-corruption tactics.  The methodology of the mixed approach was used. Probability and non-probability sampling methods were used in the investigation.  SMEs were left susceptible and unable to contribute to long-term development objectives like good governance, and decreased inequality, due to a lack of easily accessible, reasonably priced, and user-friendly anti-corruption technologies that were suited to their particular requirements. The study fills an information vacuum about creative strategies that can enable SMEs to reduce the dangers of corruption, enhance transparency, and encourage moral corporate conduct. According to the study's findings, disruptive innovation was seen as a catalyst for anti-corruption efforts. In order to promote holistic development in SMEs, the study suggested utilizing technology and systemic change.