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Divining the Level of Corruption. A Bayesian State-Space Approach

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  • S. Standaert

Abstract

This paper outlines a new methodological framework for combining indicators of corruption. The methodology of the World Governance Indicators is extended to fully make use of the time-structure present in corruption data. The resulting state-space framework is estimated using a Bayesian Gibbs sampler algorithm. The state-space framework holds many advantages from a practical, an estimation and a theoretical point of view. Most importantly, the indicator significantly increases data availability while at the same time addressing the selection bias issues that plague the CPI and WGI indexes. It produces estimates that are more stable and reliable. Because the estimation framework is transparent and data is entered without any manipulations, the resulting indicator should also be more objective.

Suggested Citation

  • S. Standaert, 2013. "Divining the Level of Corruption. A Bayesian State-Space Approach," Working Papers of Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, Ghent University, Belgium 13/835, Ghent University, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration.
    • Handle: RePEc:rug:rugwps:13/835
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Thomas Roca, 2011. "Measuring corruption: perception surveys or victimization surveys?," Working Papers hal-00625179, HAL.
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    5. Daniel Kaufmann & Aart Kraay & Massimo Mastruzzi, 2004. "Governance Matters III: Governance Indicators for 1996, 1998, 2000, and 2002," The World Bank Economic Review, World Bank, vol. 18(2), pages 253-287.
    6. Kaufmann, Daniel & Kraay, Aart & Mastruzzi, Massimo, 2010. "The worldwide governance indicators : methodology and analytical issues," Policy Research Working Paper Series 5430, The World Bank.
    7. Høyland, Bjørn & Moene, Karl & Willumsen, Fredrik, 2012. "The tyranny of international index rankings," Journal of Development Economics, Elsevier, vol. 97(1), pages 1-14.
    8. Durbin, James & Koopman, Siem Jan, 2012. "Time Series Analysis by State Space Methods," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, edition 2, number 9780199641178.
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • C43 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods: Special Topics - - - Index Numbers and Aggregation
    • O17 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Formal and Informal Sectors; Shadow Economy; Institutional Arrangements
    • O57 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economywide Country Studies - - - Comparative Studies of Countries
    • P16 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Capitalist Economies - - - Capitalist Institutions; Welfare State
    • P26 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Socialist and Transition Economies - - - Property Rights

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