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When competition corrupts : a theoretical analysis of market structure and the incidence of corruption

Author

Listed:
  • Basu, Kaushik
  • McGavock, Tamara
  • Zhang, Boyang

Abstract

The paper develops a simple model to demonstrate that, paradoxically, greater competition may exacerbate the problem of corruption. Market participants engaging in corrupt practices enjoy lower production costs -- maybe because they pay a bribe to avoid installing the environmental safeguards required by law -- such that honest players are driven out of the market when the market becomes sufficiently competitive.

Suggested Citation

  • Basu, Kaushik & McGavock, Tamara & Zhang, Boyang, 2013. "When competition corrupts : a theoretical analysis of market structure and the incidence of corruption," Policy Research Working Paper Series 6596, The World Bank.
    • Handle: RePEc:wbk:wbrwps:6596
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    File URL: http://www-wds.worldbank.org/external/default/WDSContentServer/WDSP/IB/2013/09/09/000158349_20130909095108/Rendered/PDF/WPS6596.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Gary S. Becker, 1974. "Crime and Punishment: An Economic Approach," NBER Chapters, in: Essays in the Economics of Crime and Punishment, pages 1-54, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    2. Reetika Khera, 2011. "India's Public Distribution System: Utilisation and Impact," Journal of Development Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 47(7), pages 1038-1060.
    3. Thierry Verdier & Daron Acemoglu, 2000. "The Choice between Market Failures and Corruption," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 90(1), pages 194-211, March.
    4. George Akerlof, 1976. "The Economics of Caste and of the Rat Race and Other Woeful Tales," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, President and Fellows of Harvard College, vol. 90(4), pages 599-617.
    5. Tirole, Jean, 1986. "Hierarchies and Bureaucracies: On the Role of Collusion in Organizations," The Journal of Law, Economics, and Organization, Oxford University Press, vol. 2(2), pages 181-214, Fall.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    Cited by:

    1. Sato, Hideki, 2014. "Cournot Competition and Reduction of Corruption to Prevent Garment Factory Fires in Bangladesh," MPRA Paper 56526, University Library of Munich, Germany, revised 09 Jun 2014.

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