Corruption research: A need for an integrated approach

Abstract

This article reviews the main corruption literature trends and theoretical foundations and points out the challenges of existing explanations of corruption. The emphasis on broad national-level variables limits our understanding of corruption and anti-corruption processes at the local level. Corruption studies also suffer from the bias of focusing on developing countries and nation-states. These shortcomings can be remedied by using an integrated approach to studying corruption in western countries and cities.