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Gender heterogeneity of bureaucrats in attitude to corruption: Evidence from list experiment

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  • Detkova, Polina
  • Tkachenko, Andrey
  • Yakovlev, Andrei

Abstract

A high level of corruption usually constrains economic development in emerging countries. However, anti-corruption campaigns often fail because the relevant policies need to be implemented by existing corrupt governments. This article studies the extent of bureaucrats’ heterogeneity in attitude to the problem of corruption. Due to the sensitivity of direct questions on corruption, we conduct the list experiment among public procurement officials in Russia. We show that female bureaucrats consider corruption an obstacle to public procurement development, and find no such evidence for male bureaucrats. This heterogeneity holds even at the high-level occupied positions. Although the negative attitude to corruption does not necessarily imply the anti-corruption activity by women, recognition of the problem seems to be a prerequisite for supporting an anti-corruption policy.

Suggested Citation

  • Detkova, Polina & Tkachenko, Andrey & Yakovlev, Andrei, 2021. "Gender heterogeneity of bureaucrats in attitude to corruption: Evidence from list experiment," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 189(C), pages 217-233.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jeborg:v:189:y:2021:i:c:p:217-233
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jebo.2021.06.034
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    4. Aksoy, Billur & Carpenter, Christopher S. & Sansone, Dario, 2022. "Understanding Labor Market Discrimination against Transgender People: Evidence from a Double List Experiment and a Survey," IZA Discussion Papers 15542, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
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    7. Shao, Shuai & Yang, Zhenbing & Xu, Le & Yang, Lili, 2024. "Environmental protection experience of secretaries and effectiveness of environmental governance: Evidence from COD discharge in China," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 220(C), pages 237-253.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Gender heterogeneity; Corruption; Public procurement; Item count technique; List experiment; Russia;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D73 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Bureaucracy; Administrative Processes in Public Organizations; Corruption
    • H57 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Procurement

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