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Country Perceptions Shape Transnational Bribery and its Deterrence

Author

Listed:
  • Jasper Z. Siol

    (University of Cologne)

  • Angela R. Dorrough

    (University of Cologne & FernUniversität in Hagen)

  • Louis Strang

    (University of Cologne)

  • Jennifer Brunne

    (FernUniversität in Hagen)

  • Andreas Glöckner

    (University of Cologne)

  • Bernd Irlenbusch

    (University of Cologne & London School of Economics and Political Science)

  • Shaul Shalvi

    (University of Amsterdam)

  • Joscha Beckmann

    (FernUniversität in Hagen)

  • Nils Köbis

    (University Duisburg-Essen & Max Planck Institute for Human Development Berlin)

Abstract

Punishment is commonly believed to deter bribery. Yet, in transnational contexts with fragmented enforcement responsibility across countries, punishment effectiveness depends on public perceptions about the enforcing countries. We bridge behavioral experimentation and computational social science by combining an incentivized behavioral experiment across 20 countries (N = 4,081; 81,620 decisions) alongside a large-scale media sentiment analysis spanning 16 years. Participants’ expectations about corruption and punishment in different countries predicted bribery behavior. These expectations aligned with media narratives portraying countries as more or less corrupt, revealing a close relationship between media discourse and bribery decisions. These findings suggest that anti-corruption efforts must address not only legal frameworks but also information environments influencing public perceptions, highlighting the complex interplay between enforcement credibility and media discourse in transnational bribery.

Suggested Citation

  • Jasper Z. Siol & Angela R. Dorrough & Louis Strang & Jennifer Brunne & Andreas Glöckner & Bernd Irlenbusch & Shaul Shalvi & Joscha Beckmann & Nils Köbis, 2026. "Country Perceptions Shape Transnational Bribery and its Deterrence," ECONtribute Discussion Papers Series 408, University of Bonn and University of Cologne, Germany.
    • Handle: RePEc:ajk:ajkdps:408
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    JEL classification:

    • C71 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Cooperative Games
    • C90 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - General
    • F0 - International Economics - - General

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