"Corruption Is Us": Tackling Corruption by Examining the Interplay Between Formal Rules and Informal Norms Within the Russian Construction Industry. Issue 4 (December 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Orlova, Alexandra V.; Boichev, Veselin
• Is Part Of: Journal of developing societies. Volume 33:Issue 4(2017)
• Page Start: 401
• Page End: 427
• Publication Date: 2017-12
• Subjects: Construction industry -- anti-corruption measures -- formal rules -- informal norms -- Russia; Developing countries -- Politics and government -- Periodicals; Developing countries -- Social conditions -- Periodicals; Developing countries -- History -- Periodicals; 909.09724
• DOI: 10.1177/0169796X17735238
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0169-796X

Abstract

This article deals with the problem of tackling corruption within the Russian construction industry. It examines the interplay between formal anti-corruption rules and extensive informal norms that have become institutionalized within the Russian construction sector as well as the broader Russian society, especially when it comes to interaction with state officials. The article concludes that commitment and cooperation of a multitude of actors, leading to reduced reliance on informal rules and norms and an anti-corruption ethos that permeates all levels of interactions (i.e., citizen/state, business/state, business/business, citizen/citizen, and state official/state official) are key when it comes to corruption reduction.