The causes of corruption: a cross-national study

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Treisman, D
• 署名单位: University of California System; University of California Los Angeles
• 刊物名称: JOURNAL OF PUBLIC ECONOMICS
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0047-2727
• DOI: 10.1016/S0047-2727(99)00092-4
• 发表日期: 2000
• 页码: 399-457
• 关键词: corruption; BRIBERY; GOVERNMENT; FEDERALISM; DEMOCRACY

摘要

Why is corruption - the misuse of public office for private gain - perceived to be more widespread in some countries than others? Different theories associate this with particular historical and cultural traditions, levels of economic development, political institutions, and government policies, This article analyzes several indexes of 'perceived corruption' compiled from business risk surveys for the 1980s and 1990s. Six arguments find support. Countries with Protestant traditions, histories of British rule, more developed economies, and (probably) higher imports were less 'corrupt'. Federal states were more 'corrupt'. While the current degree of democracy was not significant, long exposure to democracy predicted lower corruption. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.