Corruption Perception Research Articles

Social Security Perception and Corruption Perception in Vietnam

Abstract: The perception of social security and corruption significantly impacts governance and societal development, particularly in transitional economies like Vietnam. This study explores the intricate relationship between these perceptions and demographic factors within Vietnamese society. Using survey data from the World Values Survey Association (WVSA), key variables such as age, education level, income, and attitudes toward gender roles were analyzed to understand their influence on security and corruption perceptions. Through statistical methods including chi-square independence tests and regression analysis, this study investigates how different demographic characteristics relate to these perceptions. The data reveals a significant correlation between perceptions of security and corruption, with certain demographic groups, such as highly educated individuals, showing heightened concerns about both. The findings suggest that improving education and addressing income inequality could reduce corruption perceptions while enhancing security. These insights provide valuable directions for policymakers aiming to foster a safer and more transparent society in Vietnam.

Subjective Well-Being and Corruption in Latin America

This study explores the impact of corruption on subjective well-being in Latin American countries, focusing on Chile, Ecuador, Argentina, Uruguay, Venezuela, Bolivia, Colombia, and Peru during the period 2017-2021. The research examines how perceptions of corruption affect key indicators such as education, health, income, and life satisfaction. Utilizing secondary data from the World Values Survey, a descriptive and explanatory methodology was employed, incorporating statistical analysis and ordinal logistic regression models. Findings reveal a complex relationship between corruption and subjective well-being, indicating that higher levels of education are associated with increased awareness of corruption, while economic stability, political trust, and life satisfaction show varied associations with perceived corruption. The study highlights regional differences and contextual factors influencing these dynamics, providing insights into the multifaceted effects of corruption on human development and overall well-being in Latin American populations. Received: 2 August 2024 / Accepted: 24 September 2024 / Published: 05 November 2024

Economics of Corruption: Demand Side Case of Western Balkan Countries

Corruption is a very negative phenomenon, which distorts markets and harms economic growth. Corruption has its side of supply and demand. Both supply and demand for corruption are influenced by many factors. The purpose of this article is to identify some macroeconomic and institutional factors that lead to the demand for corruption in the Western Balkans. The Corruption Perception Index and Control of Corruption index are used as measures of corruption, therefore in this paper two models are built, where independent variables are real income per capita, inequality gap, unemployment rate, rule of law, and government efficiency. A panel model, with data for the period 2012-2022 is used to identify the most important variables affecting corruption in the Western Balkans. The results show that the index used to measure corruption affects the statistical significance of the variables, with inequality gap and rule of law being significant in both models. The identification of the factors can serve the governments of these countries to design policies and adopt strategies that will reduce the involvement of people in corrupt practices.

Enhancing investment attractiveness in wartime: a comprehensive analytical approach

The study focuses on analyzing the changes in investment attractiveness during wartime, when certain regions are occupied or destroyed, some enterprises are non-operational due to damaged production facilities, there is a significant outflow of labor force, and energy issues arise. The core issue of the study lies in the necessity of considering the complex political and economic situation’s impact on Ukraine’s investment climate. This requires developing more adaptive assessment methods that can account for both economic and socio-political risk factors. In such circumstances, reliable data is hard to obtain, which prompted the goal of substantiating the factors that characterize the country’s investment attractiveness. To provide a comprehensive assessment of investment attractiveness, an integrated indicator is proposed, which combines data reflecting investment attractiveness, including indices calculated by leading global organizations. The analysis includes such indices as the Innovation Development Index, the Corruption Perception Index, and the Judicial System Index. As a result, an average value of the changes was calculated, showing a comprehensive shift in the indicators related to investment attractiveness. The analysis using the integrated indicator demonstrated that investment attractiveness has decreased by 10 % during the war, but certain indicators, such as the Corruption Facilitation Index and the Judicial Index, have actually improved during the war. The results obtained can be used to develop risk management strategies for both international and local investors. They can also serve as a basis for creating recommendations for improving the investment climate, which in turn can attract capital and stimulate economic growth under challenging conditions

Corruption impedes good governance in Somalia’s public sector

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand the level of corruption in Somalia and the causes that lead to corruption that in turn hampers good governance. Design/methodology/approach The paper relies on the data collected from Somali’s public institutions, international actors, newspaper articles and peer-reviewed literature. The degree of corruption is assessed with the Corruption Perceptions Index by Transparency International and the Control of Corruption provided by the World Bank. Findings The finding shows that the level of corruption in Somalia is high and complex because of the following reasons: weak governance and poverty, culture and tradition which include favoritism based on clan membership, lack of accountability mechanism and absence political will. Measures undertaken for anti-corruption, for instance, the establishment of the National Anti-Corruption Commission and legislation for its support face barriers and challenges that include political influence, lack of capacities among the undertaking institution and lack of participation by the public. Originality/value This research adds value to the knowledge of corruption in Somalia by identifying the concrete socio-political antecedents for corruption and the problems of fighting it. This paper further presents the following detailed strategies to address corruption: enhancing the operational and financial integrity of the Independent Anti-Corruption Commission; restructuring the civil service and merging it into a merit-based system; enhancing Public Financial Management (PFM) reforms; independence of the judiciary; and sustaining development in digital technology adoption in governance and procurement.

Health Impacts of Disasters and Social Indicators: An Ecological Study

Abstract The objective of this study is to investigate the correlation between certain social indicators and the mortality and morbidity in disasters recorded in the EM-DAT database within countries in the last decade. The correlation between the mortality and morbidity in disasters recorded in the EM-DAT database between March 1, 2014-2024 and the most recent data on Human Development Index (HDI), Gender Inequality Index (GII), Gini Coefficient (GC), Government Health Expenditure as a share of GDP (GHE/GDP) and Corruption Perception Index (CPI) were analyzed. During the period of the study, disasters from a total of 207 countries/regions were recorded in the database. The median (IQR) values of countries in disasters were found to be 35.1 (67.5) for death per million and 76.3 (783.0) for injury per million. The most frequent types of disasters, the most frequent cause of mortality and the most frequent cause of injury in each country were found to be floods, extreme temperatures, and epidemics, respectively. While there was no significant difference between the social indicators analyzed and the total number of deaths, there was a negative correlation between the number of injuries and the HDI, CPI, GHE/GDP values of the countries, and a positive correlation between the GC and GII values (for all tests, Spearman correlation test, p < 0.001). The correlation coefficient was interpreted as ‘weak’ in all other pairwise analyses except for the GHE/GDP value (moderate). Countries with social indicators closer to the positive threshold have been found to have less injuries in disasters. The possible reason for the insignificant correlation with the mortality is thought to be the difficulties in detecting mortality, especially in ‘extreme temperatures’, and the fact that it is mostly recorded in countries where social indicators are relatively more advanced. More research is needed to investigate the relationality between social indicators and disaster harms. Key messages • Disasters are critical mediators between social determinants and health. Addressing and reducing inequalities should remain on the public health agenda to prevent disasters and protect health. • Analysis of disasters shows that ‘extreme temperatures’, which cause the most deaths in some countries, are barely detected in developing countries. Disaster recording systems need to be strengthened.

Manifestation of the Anti-Corruption Education Movement in Breaking the Growth of New Regeneration of Corruptors

Corruption is a disease that is difficult to eliminate on this earth, not least in Indonesia where the Corruption Perception Index is very high. To deal with this is not an easy matter, we need preventive and curative efforts, namely by providing education to the younger generation today, namely Anti-corruption Education. Anti-corruption education is not a powerful way to eliminate all acts of corruption, but the existence of these educational activities will intuitively awaken the human conscience to realize not to commit criminal activities such as corruption. This article will reveal an action method on how to conduct real anti-corruption education for the younger generation to make them realize how dangerous corruption is for the people around them. This article uses a literature study method consisting of searching for articles from various theoretically supporting sources through SAGE Journals, Google Scholar, and supporting books to perfect the results of writing this article. The results of this research will comprehensively describe the real Anti-Corruption Education to be taught to the younger generation not only in theory, but together with real action actions such as campaigns to persuasively invite people to get involved in efforts to prevent corrupt practices. The younger generation is at the forefront of guarding the future of the country, therefore the younger generation should not be hypnotized by the temptation of corruption, because if they are tempted, it can destroy this country in an instant.

Strengthening the fight: is the adoption of IPSAS helping Latin America tackling corruption?

PurposeThis paper examines the relationship between the adoption of accrual-based IPSAS and the level of perceived corruption of Latin-American countries, considering the moderating effect of the country’s institutional quality.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted a longitudinal analysis of 19 countries, between 2010 and 2020, following a quantitative approach by using multiple linear regression with panel data.FindingsMain findings indicate that the harmonization of public sector accounting through the adoption of IPSAS generates a positive effect on the corruption level in Latin-American countries, causing a reduction in their indexes of perception of corruption. The countries’ institutional context, as hypothesized, increases such effect, making it even more significant in the cases of partial adoption.Practical implicationsTo improve accountability and decision-making in public sector entities overall, contributing to reduce corruption, IPSAS adoption requires an institutional environment favorable to take the best of their benefits.Social implicationsThe adoption of IPSAS in an environment with a high institutional quality, allows a greater effect in reducing corruption in the jurisdiction.Originality/valueThis study contributes by providing a comprehensive view of IPSAS and its impact on perceived corruption levels, expanding the existing research to Latin America, where corruption is generally high and IPSAS may contribute to reduce it. It makes an important addition by defining and considering an index of the country’s institutional quality, providing evidence that when this is high, the context enhances the work of institutions, including IPSAS, to fight corruption.

Determinants of experiences and perceptions of corruption: A case study of Russian regions

In this article, the main determinants of experiences and perceptions of corruption in the Russian regions are analyzed. The research focuses on evaluating the determinants of corruption among ordinary people and business representatives in three regions of Russia. The main objectives of the research are: to reveal the relationship of individual characteristics and attitudes toward corruption with citizens’ actual experiences and perceptions of corruption; to learn how experiences and perceptions of corruption influence each other. The main conclusion is that the experience of corruption and its perception are interrelated. Those members of both the general public and the business community who perceive the prevalence of corruption to be high report experiencing corrupt practices more often than those who see a lower frequency of corruption. People who justify corruption are more likely to report encountering bribery and other low-level corruption practices. For business corruption, tolerance of corruption shows a significant link with perception of corruption, but not with real experiences of corruption. Social learning theory and victimization theory can explain the interdependence of perceptions and experiences of corruption in the Russian regions. The indicators of both perception and experience of corruption in the research can be used as indirect measures of corruption. Their interrelation in the same survey may also indicate their validity as instruments for measuring corruption.

The moderating role of government heuristics in public preferences for redistribution

A theory of rational attitude formation suggests public perceptions that income differences are too large should lead to demands for income redistribution. Public opinion scientists irregularly observe this at best. It is possible that the instruments we use to observe support for income redistribution are ineffective. We suggest at least part of the inconsistently observed linkages are due to unobserved confounding of government heuristics. We hypothesize that government affect provides a heuristic cue for survey respondents to answer questions on their preference for the government engaging in income redistribution. The greater the valence or quantity of reasons for a survey respondent to have negative government affect, the more perceptions of inequality and support for redistribution are decoupled and apparently inconsistent. To test this, we measured government affect at the country-time level using trust, corruption perceptions, and economic performance. We executed tests of moderation using slopes-as-outcomes regressions with ISSP data from 36 countries in 102 country-time points. Given the difficulty in fitting complex theories of society and politics into a limited number of macro-comparative cases, we ran a multiverse analysis of alternatively plausible models. There is a consistent negative moderation effect across models suggesting that our theory of government affect as opinion expression on a survey is worthy of further consideration. The findings also suggest more qualitative cognitive survey interviews to better understand this process.

The Relationship Between the Shadow Economy, Corruption, and Taxes: Empirical Evidence from Countries with High and Low Financial Development

Abstract The paper explores the relationship between the shadow economy, corruption, and taxes in 25 high-financial developed countries (HFDCs) and 30 low-financial developed countries (LFDCs) using the PVAR method. The results of the impulse-response function show that the corruption perception index (CPI) has a positive correlation with tax revenue and the shadow economy in HFDCs, while tax revenue and the shadow economy are negatively correlated. In contrast, in LFDCs, the shadow economy has a positive correlation with tax revenue and a negative correlation with the CPI. In addition, the study also suggests that there is no relationship between tax revenue and the CPI. From the above findings, we propose several related policies for each group of countries.

The Impact of Digital Transformation on the Anti-Corruption and Cyber-Fraud System

The article deals with the assessment of the digital transformation impact on the anti-corruption and anti-cyber fraud system. The article explores the interconnection between three key indices: the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), the National Cybersecurity Index (NCSI), and the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Development Index in 138 countries as of 2023. In the first stage, a preliminary analysis of the indices was conducted, which showed significant variation between countries. The average CPI value was 47.5, indicating an average level of corruption globally, but some countries have very low and very high scores. Similarly, the NCSI and ICT indices also vary, indicating uneven development of cybersecurity and information and communication technologies. Correlation analysis revealed a medium to strong positive correlation between the indices. The strongest correlation (0.61) was observed between CPI and ICT, confirming that developing digital technologies can help reduce corruption. A significant correlation was also found between NCSI and ICT (0.61), which emphasizes the importance of information technology development for improving cybersecurity. The clustering method allowed us to divide countries into three groups: countries with low scores on all three indices, countries with moderate scores, and leading countries with high levels of transparency, cybersecurity, and digital development. The study confirmed the importance of investing in digital infrastructure to increase transparency and security and pointed to the need for reforms in countries that score low on all indices.

TAX PERFORMANCE AND QUALITY OF GOVERNANCE IN NIGERIA

Government cannot run in isolation, they need revenue to run their operations and one of the sources of this revenue is taxation. Despite government lamentations of a lack of funds for infrastructure development, there is a scarcity of literature in Nigeria on how tax performances may influence the quality of governance. This study examined the impact of tax performance on the quality of governance in Nigeria. Data for the study were taken from the OECD, the World Bank, and the Central Bank of Nigeria's annual reports, and the research design used is ex-post facto. The Hausman test was employed to analyze the data collected after subjecting it to the unit root test. Tax performance is proxy by company income tax, personal income tax, and value-added tax while the corruption perception index was used as a proxy for quality of governance. This study's findings revealed that the quality of governance and personal income tax are positively and significantly related, with a p-value of 0.0000, a t-statistic of 6.320390, and coefficients of 0.200227. This study's findings revealed that quality of governance and company income tax are negatively and significantly related, with a p-value of 0.0000, t-statistic of -9.743164, and coefficients of -0.228796. However, this study's findings revealed that the quality of governance and value-added tax are not related, with a p-value of 0.3252, a t-statistic of -0.984622, and a coefficient of -0.033803. This study concluded that tax performance had a significant impact on governance quality in Nigeria. This study recommends that taxation if appropriately controlled will improve the quality of governance, create jobs in the country, lower inflation, and boost economic growth.

Evaluation of financial monitoring systems effectiveness in its relationship to the country's security indicators

Motivation: The motivation for this research work is its potential to identify critical issues with far-reaching implications for economic security, governance and development, and to contribute to more informed decision-making in the area of countering the financing of terrorism. Aim: The purpose of this research paper is to analyse the impact of the FATF (Financial Action Task Force) standards on crime and anti-corruption efforts and the effective implementation of the legal framework in countries. Results: The article examines the relationship between crime, corruption, terrorism and FATF standards in 54 countries. Based on the regression analysis, the influence of crime, terrorism and perception of corruption on the effectiveness and compliance with FATF standards is investigated. The specific coefficients show that the perception of terrorism and corruption have a statistically significant negative and positive impact on the dependent variable, respectively, while the impact of the crime index is not statistically significant. By examining the impact of crime rates and anti-corruption efforts on FATF standards and the effective implementation of legal frameworks in countries, the study aims to provide information that can inform decision-making. Understanding how these factors interact can help to improve anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing strategies at both the national and international levels, including the improvement of financial monitoring systems. Understanding the relationship between crime, corruption and terrorism can have practical implications for various stakeholders, including law enforcement, government officials and international organisations. The findings are important for the implementation of effective measures to combat money laundering and terrorist financing, improve governance, security and overall socio-economic stability.

The Impact of the Last Two Presidential Periods on the Performance of the Indonesia Stock Exchanges: An Approach of Arbitrage Pricing Theory

This study aims to examine the influence of economic and non-economic macro factors on the performance of the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) and the differences in their effects on the last two presidential terms using the Arbitrage Pricing Theory (APT) approach. The macro factors studied are an aggregate of 41 indicators of stock market index returns, benchmark interest rates, exchange rates, economic stability indicators, commodity prices, and corruption perception index (CPI). For the process of aggregation and identification of macro factors, this study uses Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The population studied were publicly listed companies on the IDX since October 2004 (299 companies) with a sample size of 157 companies. The observation period is 205 months: 120 months of the presidency of Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) and 85 months of the presidency of Joko Widodo (JKW). The research design used the explanatory study method. The research model was analyzed using panel data regression. The results identified seven macro factor aggregates from 41 indicators studied: global index, macro economy, world oil prices, China index, Arabia index, inflation, and competitive resources. There was a simultaneous effect of macro factors on stock performance during the presidency of SBY and JKW. Partially, stock returns during the SBY era were positively influenced by the global index, world oil prices, the China index, the Arabian index, and inflation and negatively influenced by the macroeconomy. Meanwhile, during the JKW period, returns were positively influenced by the global, China, and Arabia indexes and inflation.

Unlocking whistleblower protection: legal basis to be aware of

Hardly any negative social phenomenon is as specific as corruption, which creates an intriguing paradox in law. In particular, there is no phenomenon that is mentioned more often on a daily basis, even in colloquial speech, than corruption; there is no group of criminal offences (corruption) that the whole society knows more about; there is no legal topic on which legal scholars and practitioners are more in agreement on the criminal law consequences that corruption creates and are not willing to prevent it by creating various models of its prevention; and, again, many countries are constantly failing in the fight against it. Many people improve their perception of corruption only as the situation worsens. This paradox gives rise to a vision of corruption as an intractable, powerful giant, present since ancient times, with obvious obstacles that cannot be removed even in the most developed countries. Against this backdrop, it is important to ask, and this article attempts to answer, what role whistleblowers can play in the fight against corruption and whether their more effective protection can play an important role in protecting society from corruption. This study explores the recognition of whistleblowers' importance in these efforts, including the basis and nature of their legislative protection, through a legal analysis of selected regional and international legal sources that directly or indirectly refer to whistleblowers and their protection. The analysis shows that most of these sources indicate the importance of achieving the three whistleblower protection mechanisms. To achieve the above goals, regulatory and descriptive legal methods will be used.

IPSAS adoption, public governance and corruption perception in MENA and sub-Saharan Africa countries

IPSAS adoption, public governance and corruption perception in MENA and sub-Saharan Africa countries

Corruption in Public Administration: Evaluation of its Impact on Government Efficiency

Corruption in public administration is a serious problem that negatively affects society and the functioning of the State. It is essential to address this issue effectively to promote transparency, integrity and trust in government institutions. This research aims to review the existing literature on the evaluation of corruption and its effects on the effectiveness of public administration. Three research questions were posed following the PICO methodology (1) What is the effect of corruption on the population's trust in government institutions?, (2) What mechanisms to prevent and combat corruption in public administration have been implemented in different countries?, (3) What is the impact of corruption on government efficiency? The investigations were carried out using the Scopus database and Web of Science for which inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to identification, screening and including 40 relevant articles. The results elucidate citizens' perception of corruption in public administration, as well as the sources that cause this scourge. In addition, the key findings of the review are presented, including the mechanisms to prevent and combat corruption implemented in different contexts. It is concluded that to combat corruption requires a joint effort from society, the government and entities in order to promote transparency and strengthen institutions, which in turn will contribute to building a more just and trustworthy society.

Unpacking negative public attitudes towards European union integration: insights from a qualitative study in Slovakia

ABSTRACT In the past decade, the European Union (EU) has faced multiple crises that have weakened support for the concept of an ‘ever closer union,’ particularly among the Visegrad Group’s political elite. Euroscepticism has become a prominent feature of national politics and now extends beyond party lines to individual perspectives. This study explores negative perceptions of European integration in Slovakia, a Visegrad Group member, using focus group methodology. Conducted from 2016 to 2019, it involved 30 focus group sessions. The findings reveal that declining support for EU membership is driven by self-interested motives, emotional factors, and populist rhetoric. While the region has seen macroeconomic progress, many Slovakians feel the personal benefits from EU funds are lacking, exacerbated by perceptions of corruption. Additionally, the EU’s unified labor market is viewed as disruptive, straining family ties and daily life, particularly in disadvantaged areas.

Corruption and sustainability disclosure-firm performance sensitivity: an international evidence

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine the nexus between sustainability disclosure, corruption perception and firm performance through a cross country analysis. Design/methodology/approach The study period ranges from 2014 to 2021 and the data set comprises non-financial companies across 23 nations comprising of both developed and emerging economies. This study has used a dynamic panel data model, i.e. the system generalized method of moments (SGMM) technique, to examine this issue. Findings The authors find that sustainable disclosure affects firm performance positively and corruption perception decreases the financial performance. The results explain that effective higher sustainable disclosures help to achieve control and monitor resources by reducing risk and provides strong linkages and expertise. It also affirms that corruption plays a vital role in determining financial performance of the companies. The results also reveal that corruption perception does not influence the sustainable disclosure-performance sensitivity. But in case of emerging economies, corruption reduces the influence of sustainability disclosure on financial performance of the companies. Practical implications This study has practical implications for policymakers as well as corporate managers to consider sustainable disclosure norms while framing their policies to derive maximum benefits. Originality/value This study is a new investigation that explores the intertwining relationship between sustainable disclosure, corruption and firm performance across the countries.