Paper/Speech Details of Conference Program for the 17th NISPAcee Annual Conference Program Overview Main Conference Theme Author(s) Lars Johannsen Aarhus University Aarhus Denmark Pedersen Karin Hilmer, Karin Hilmer Pedersen Title The rise of anti-corruption policies. File Paper files are available only for conference participants, please login first. Presenter Abstract Numerous conventions have been signed, administrative reforms made, agencies established and awareness campaigns conducted all with the purpose of combating corruption. With respect to post-communist countries it is often argued that corruption is especially high as well as endemic (for example Karklins, 2002, Sandholtz & Taagepera, 2005). In contrast we argue that it is only when corruption is caused by cultural norms, ‘the way things are done’, that it is endemic. Consequently if taking a bribe is a function of individual rational calculation – for example if wages are low or if detection probability is next to zero – it is possible to overcome through changing the incentive structure. This paper embarks upon the question how to design efficient anti-corruption institutions. The question is approached by identifying and distinguishing between necessary and sufficient factors in the anti-corruption institutional set up. The paper utilizes three sets of thought in order to advance the empirical analysis and theoretical discussion. First, to analyse the institutional setting we discuss the anti-corruption toolkit developed by Robert Klitgaard as a model for how anti-corruption agencies can operate successfully. Next, we look at how the model is mirrored in post-communist states. By applying Boolean algebra as the analytical method to distinguish between necessary and sufficient factors leading to specific outcomes – in case effect on corruption – we establish different paths or combination of factors that leads to success. In the third part we extend the analyses by looking specifically at relation between the EU-level and the member state level. Thus, we contrast the attempts of the European Commission to intensify its attention on the problems of fraud and illegal activities through the European Anti-Fraud Office (by its French acronym – OLAF) with that of national anti-corruption agencies. Applicants Note Alternative: We believe that the paper could be of interest to IV- PARinCCEEA
