Corruption and the Rate of Temptation: Do Low Wages in the Civil Service Cause Corruption?

Corruption and the Rate of Temptation: Do Low Wages in the Civil Service Cause Corruption?

Author: Caroline Van Rijckeghem & Beatrice Weder.

Abstract:
This paper develops and tests two efficiency wage models of corruption in the civil service. Under fair wage models, civil service wages are an important determinant of corruption. Under shirking models, the level of wages is of secondary importance, as potential bribes dwarf wage income. The empirical evidence points to a negative relationship between corruption and wages across developing countries.

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Also available at the Joint Bank-Fund Library.

Bibliography:
HG3881.5 .I58 W67 NO.97/73. Washington, D.C.: International Monetary Fund, Research Dept., IMF Working Paper WP/97/73, June 1997.

Author List

Salma Sulemanji/Person/World Bank
Humaira Qureshi/Person/World Bank