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Corruption and Economic Growth: Does the Size of the Government Matter?

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  • António Afonso
  • Eduardo de Sá Fortes Leitão Rodrigues

Abstract

Corruption is often a source of contentious debate, covering different areas of knowledge, such as philosophy and sociology. In this paper we assess the effects of corruption on economic activity and highlight the relevance of the size of the government. We use dynamic models and the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) approach for a panel of 48 countries, from 2012 to 2019. We find an adverse effect of corruption on the level and growth of GDP per capita, but that large governments benefit less from reducing corruption. Furthermore, developing economies, regardless of government size, benefit less from reducing corruption, while government size is not sufficient to explain the influence of corruption on economic activity, although the level of effectiveness of public services is crucial. Finally, our findings suggest that private investment is a potential transmission channel for corruption.

Suggested Citation

  • António Afonso & Eduardo de Sá Fortes Leitão Rodrigues, 2021. "Corruption and Economic Growth: Does the Size of the Government Matter?," EconPol Working Paper 60, ifo Institute - Leibniz Institute for Economic Research at the University of Munich.
    • Handle: RePEc:ces:econwp:_60
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    Cited by:

    1. Eduardo de Sá Fortes Leitão Rodrigues, 2021. "Citizens' Confidence in Government and Inefficient Public Spending. Is there a Trust Trap?," Working Papers REM 2021/0199, ISEG - Lisbon School of Economics and Management, REM, Universidade de Lisboa.

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    JEL classification:

    • C23 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Models with Panel Data; Spatio-temporal Models
    • O40 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity - - - General
    • K42 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior - - - Illegal Behavior and the Enforcement of Law
    • C23 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Models with Panel Data; Spatio-temporal Models

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