Corruption: Case Studies of Vietnam and Italy

Abstract

Corruption is morally and legally wrong. Despite many governmental policies and strategies designed to combat corruption, it still persists in most parts of the world. To understand why corruption is so persistent and pervasive, it is necessary to recognize the perceptions of the beneficiaries and victims of the issue and to comprehend the extent to which cultural biases influence individuals' decisions to give in to corruption. Acquiescence to dishonest and fraudulent behavior can foster political corruption in many countries. Vietnam and Italy were selected as case studies for this paper. Using the case studies of these two different countries will provide an explanation of how different cultural and social contexts can influence the prevalence of corruption. This paper also endeavors to give some practical recommendations to policy makers and to activists to ponder upon.