The relation of corruption perceptions, conformity and traditionalism: Macroeconomic study of 52 countries

Abstract

This paper analyses the relation of the subjective importance of values such as creativity, being rich, taking care of ourselves, helping others, being successful, excitement and adventure, behaving according to rules, taking care of the environment, tradition, living in secure surrounding in countries and the perceived levels of corruption in countries. In addition we study the effects of GDP per capita, and GDP per capita growth on corruption perceptions. We control for the level of education and urbanization. Our results suggest, that the more it is important to always behave properly; to avoid doing anything people would say is wrong, the higher is perceived corruption in the countries. The more it is important to comply with tradition and to follow the customs handed down by one’s religion or family, the higher is the perceived corruption in the countries. The higher is natural logarithm of GDP per capita, the lower is perceived corruption. The higher is GDP growth, the higher is perceived corruption.