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Press freedom and corruption in business-state interactions

Author

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  • Binhadab, Nouf
  • Breen, Michael
  • Gillanders, Robert

Abstract

We show that press freedom has a role in constraining business corruption. Using firm-level data, we find that countries with greater press freedom have significantly fewer incidences of bribery involving public officials. In particular, we find that a free press is associated with a substantial reduction in the percentage of firms that report corruption during interactions with tax officials and when obtaining construction permits. Furthermore, we find that fewer businesses in these countries report that corruption is the biggest problem that they face. These findings highlight the role of an independent media in combating corruption.

Suggested Citation

  • Binhadab, Nouf & Breen, Michael & Gillanders, Robert, 2021. "Press freedom and corruption in business-state interactions," Economic Systems, Elsevier, vol. 45(4).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecosys:v:45:y:2021:i:4:s0939362521000704
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ecosys.2021.100922
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    2. Bonga-Bonga, Lumengo & Kirsten, Frederich, 2024. "Corruption and ethnicity on the African continent: the mediating role of institutions," MPRA Paper 121373, University Library of Munich, Germany.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Bribery; Corruption; Press freedom;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D73 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Bureaucracy; Administrative Processes in Public Organizations; Corruption
    • K20 - Law and Economics - - Regulation and Business Law - - - General
    • L51 - Industrial Organization - - Regulation and Industrial Policy - - - Economics of Regulation
    • R50 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Regional Government Analysis - - - General

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