Institutional, economic and cultural safeguards against corruption: a panel study of OECD countries

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to ascertain whether the combination of anti-corruption measures, with simultaneous impact on the institutional, economic and cultural dimensions, is associated with lower levels of corruption. Design/methodology/approach The authors have developed a research that seeks to find statistical evidence of the relationship between levels of corruption and combinations of anti-corruption measures. To test the hypotheses, the authors performed panel regression analysis using different panel estimation methods, namely, fixed effects (FE) models. Findings The results do not fully support the idea that the combination of anti-corruption measures with simultaneous impact on the institutional, economic and cultural dimensions has more impact on corruption levels than other measures taken singly, but rather that the most determining factor in preventing corruption lies in government effectiveness. Originality/value The relevance of this study lies in the shortcomings of this type of research applied to anti-corruption measures. Moreover, the development of panel data analysis makes it possible to approach the phenomenon from a double perspective, over time and in comparative terms between different countries, incorporating non-immediate effects and possible interactive effects between different anti-corruption measures.