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Initiation of corrupt exchanges and severity of corruption

Author

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  • Rajeev K. Goel

    (Illinois State University, Department of Economics, Normal, U.S.A.)

Abstract

This paper examines the effectiveness of corruption control depending upon whether the bribe taker or the bribe giver initiates the corrupt interaction. The probability of corrupt exchanges depends upon the bribe and the corrupt market structure. The probability of apprehension is set but punishment can be influenced via bribes. Results show that the effectiveness of apprehension hinges on whether higher bribes invite harsher fines. Competition for favors intimidates the bribe giver into offering lower bribes, while greater agency competition has a similar effect on the bribe demanded. Consistent with intuition, better paid bureaucrats demand smaller bribes. Some implications for anti-corruption policy are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Rajeev K. Goel, 2013. "Initiation of corrupt exchanges and severity of corruption," Financial Theory and Practice, Institute of Public Finance, vol. 37(2), pages 207-222.
    • Handle: RePEc:ipf:finteo:v:37:y:2013:i:2:p:207-222
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Rajeev K. Goel & Ummad Mazhar & James W. Saunoris, 2020. "Business operations, contestability, bureaucratic holdup, and bribe solicitations," Review of Development Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 24(4), pages 1484-1510, November.
    2. Goel, Rajeev K. & Nelson, Michael A., 2023. "Women’s political empowerment: Influence of women in legislative versus executive branches in the fight against corruption," Journal of Policy Modeling, Elsevier, vol. 45(1), pages 139-159.
    3. Rajeev K. Goel & Ummad Mazhar & James W. Saunoris, 2018. "Market Contestability and Bribe Solicitations: Evidence Across Stages of Firms' Operations," CESifo Working Paper Series 6981, CESifo.
    4. Rajeev K. Goel & James W. Saunoris, 2020. "Market exit of firms: Does corruption act as grease or sand?," Managerial and Decision Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 41(8), pages 1539-1548, December.
    5. Rajeev K. Goel & Jelena Budak & Edo Rajh, 2015. "Private sector bribery and effectiveness of anti-corruption policies," Applied Economics Letters, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 22(10), pages 759-766, July.
    6. Changwatchai, Piyaphan & Dheera-aumpon, Siwapong, 2023. "Culture and bribe giving: Evidence from firm-level data," Research in International Business and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 64(C).
    7. Goel, Rajeev K. & Mazhar, Ummad & Sayan, Serdar, 2021. "Strategic location of firms: Does it empower bribe givers or bribe takers?," Economic Systems, Elsevier, vol. 45(3).
    8. Goel, Rajeev K. & Nelson, Michael A. & Goel, Viraat Y., 2021. "COVID-19 vaccine rollout—scale and speed carry different implications for corruption," Journal of Policy Modeling, Elsevier, vol. 43(3), pages 503-520.
    9. Goel, Rajeev K. & Herrala, Risto & Mazhar, Ummad, 2013. "Institutional quality and environmental pollution: MENA countries versus the rest of the world," Economic Systems, Elsevier, vol. 37(4), pages 508-521.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    corruption; bribe takers; bribe givers; competition; probability; penalty;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • K4 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior
    • L4 - Industrial Organization - - Antitrust Issues and Policies

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