Assessment of the Global State of Financial Corruption
Subject Areas : EconomicMohammadReza Fathi 1 * , Seyedeh Narges Hoseiniamin 2
1 - Ph.D Student, business administration, marketing, Payame Noor University, Tehran branch
2 - Ph.D, Sociology, Economic sociology and development, Islamic Azad University Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran.
Keywords: Corruption, Financial Corruption, Anti-Corruption, Open Government, Transparency, Governance.,
Abstract :
Corruption is one of the most significant challenges facing governance systems in contemporary societies. Its proliferation across social, economic, and political spheres can undermine public trust, institutional effectiveness, and the development process. This study aims to examine corruption at the macro level and analyze existing approaches to its prevention and control. The research adopts a descriptive-analytical approach based on documentary analysis. The required data were collected and analyzed through an examination of international indices, anti-corruption conventions, reports published by international organizations, and case studies. Accordingly, the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), the OECD Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions, and the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) were examined, followed by an analysis of a set of practical approaches to combating corruption. The findings indicate that, although international indices and anti-corruption conventions contribute to establishing common standards and strengthening anti-corruption cooperation, the mere adoption and implementation of such mechanisms do not necessarily lead to a sustained reduction in corruption. Their effectiveness depends on the quality of institutions, the degree of transparency and accountability, and the implementation capacity of governments. Furthermore, an examination of various experiences suggests that preventive approaches can play a more effective role in reducing opportunities for corruption. Accordingly, open government, digital government, asset and interest disclosure, beneficial ownership transparency, and information exchange and cooperation among tax authorities were identified as the most important practical approaches. Overall, effective anti-corruption efforts require a shift from purely reactive and punitive approaches toward preventive, transparency-oriented, technology-enabled, and participatory mechanisms.
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