Corruption: A Persistent Problem
Corruption remains a pervasive issue worldwide, affecting both developed and developing countries. Its detrimental effects on economic growth and development have spurred governments to intensify their efforts to combat this deeply rooted problem. China, in particular, has been at the forefront of the fight against corruption, resulting in the arrest and indictment of numerous officials since 2013. However, estimating the extent of illicit earnings from bribery, which often occurs discreetly, poses a significant challenge.
A Unique Approach to Measure Corruption
In a forthcoming paper published in Management Science, researchers employ a unique methodology to estimate the “unofficial” income of Chinese government officials. By examining data on home purchases and incomes in a major Chinese city from 2006 to 2013, they compare households with government officials to those without. The researchers then analyze the relationship between the value of homes acquired and household wealth, taking into account factors such as the official’s gender, age, and education level.
Startling Findings: The Extent of Illicit Earnings
The study reveals that, on average, Chinese officials’ “gray income” amounts to a staggering 83% of their formal salary. Notably, this figure significantly increases with the official’s rank within the government. For lower-level civil servants, unofficial earnings constitute just 27% of their official income. In contrast, for governmental division chiefs, this ratio skyrockets to 172%. Astonishingly, the off-the-books income of a director general in a government department represents a staggering 424% of their official compensation.
Two Scenarios: The Impact of Corruption
Corruption can manifest in two distinct scenarios: one where a few highly corrupt officials coexist within an otherwise clean bureaucracy, and another where corruption permeates the entire administrative system. Each of these scenarios has different implications for the economy and society, necessitating tailored anti-corruption strategies.
Understanding Corruption in China
To understand the prevailing scenario in China, the researchers estimate the proportion of officials at specific administrative levels likely to have unofficial earnings. By comparing the value of home purchases in households with government officials to those without, they find that approximately 13% of officials in their sample have an unofficial income. Importantly, this ratio increases with the official’s rank. For example, the data suggests that around 8% of non-managerial civil servants receive significant undisclosed earnings, compared to 12% of low-level officials, 27% of division chiefs, and 65% of government department directors.
Challenging Conventional Beliefs
Contrary to the common belief that public officials turn to bribery due to low salaries compared to the private sector, the study finds no evidence to support this claim. After considering factors such as education, work experience, age, and gender, it becomes clear that inadequate government salaries are not the primary reason for the prevalence of bribery among Chinese bureaucrats.
The Impact of Anti-Corruption Measures
China’s extensive anti-corruption campaign has provided a unique opportunity to examine the connection between gray incomes and bribes. The findings suggest a significant correlation, with unofficial earnings decreasing in areas where anti-corruption efforts have intensified, especially after the arrest or indictment of high-ranking local officials. This implies that the Chinese government’s anti-corruption measures have had a noteworthy impact.
A Path Forward: Market-Driven Reforms
In addition to these ongoing efforts, introducing market-driven reforms, particularly those that limit government officials’ discretionary powers in areas such as issuing licenses or allocating subsidies and resources, could significantly contribute to the fight against corruption. This multi-pronged approach may pave the way for a more transparent and accountable governance system in China, ultimately benefiting its economy and society.
