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Which institutions are most corrupt? Prevalence and social determinants of bribery in Tehran

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Abstract

Corruption has relatively higher negative consequences in third world countries, which have weak and vulnerable structures. However, only a limited number of studies have been conducted on the prevalence and causes of corruption in these countries and these have mainly focused on the perception of corruption or the propensity to bribe. Besides determining the prevalence of bribe in different institutions, the present study also provides the feasibility of analyzing the determining factors affecting bribery. In this cross-sectional survey, 400 residents in different regions of Tehran were selected through cluster sampling method, and their experiences and opinions about corruption and bribery were examined. The results showed that, the perception of high corruption is most important factor affecting pay bribe. In addition, low obedience to the law and an increase in the perceived procedural justice are also among the other determinants affecting bribery. Each individual had paid bribes in one-third of their referrals to the institutions, as demonstrated by the findings, suggests that this problem may become a norm in certain organizations, so it must be taken seriously while framing anti-corruption policies.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the Social Welfare Management Research Center of the University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences [grant number 94/801/T/14203].

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran

    Mehdi Mohamadi

  2. Social Welfare Management Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran

    Hassan Rafiey

  3. Social Welfare Management Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran

    Mir Taher Mousavi

  4. Department of Biostatistics, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran

    Samaneh Hosseinzadeh

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  1. Mehdi Mohamadi
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Mohamadi, M., Rafiey, H., Mousavi, M.T. et al. Which institutions are most corrupt? Prevalence and social determinants of bribery in Tehran. Crime Law Soc Change 74, 175–191 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10611-020-09886-2

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