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Social norms and networks

Corruption and anti-corruption efforts related to social norms and networks

Basic guide

Read our introduction to corruption and anti-corruption efforts in social norms and networks.

Research and policy agenda

Discover what U4 and others do to advance research and reduce corruption in social norms and networks.

Featured content

Anti-corruption through a social norms lens

Social norms in communities, families, and organisations are key to understanding why corruption persists. Strategies to diagnose and relieve social pressures can help anti-corruption reforms succeed.

15 October 2018

Reciprocity networks, service delivery, and corruption: The wantok system in Papua New Guinea

Informal systems of reciprocity help people cope with adversity, but they can also promote favouritism and corruption – learn how practitioners can…

2 February 2020

Follow the integrity trendsetter

In some societies people come to see corruption as the norm. Programmes that bring youth into contact with integrity trendsetters can help change…

20 February 2019

Values education for public integrity

Schools and universities in various countries are teaching youth about integrity norms and values. Despite limited evidence on effectiveness, some…

The cognitive psychology of corruption

Power, personal gain and self-control, loss aversion and risk acceptance, rationalisation, and emotion can all influence corrupt acts. Making the…

From the blog

Blog
Street-level corruption in Burundi: research reveals critical influence of social norms
Corruption in Burundi is systemic. A five-month investigation of tax collectors reveals the rationale behind behaviours at the street level.
6 October 2020
Informal contexts
Social norms and networks
Blog
Informal systems of reciprocity, service delivery and corruption
Understanding the broader environment of accountability, how informal systems of reciprocity are structured, and how individuals respond to pressures…
27 January 2020
Informal contexts
Public service delivery
Social norms and networks

Latest publications

U4 Issue
Values education for public integrity
Schools and universities in various countries are teaching youth about integrity norms and values. Despite limited evidence on effectiveness, some…
14 May 2020
Education
Social norms and networks
U4 Issue
Capacity building for politicians in contexts of systemic corruption: Countering ‘wasta’ in Jordan
We need alternative strategies beyond legal and enforcement tools to address systemic corruption. Capacity building for politicians can be adapted to…
28 July 2019
Politics of anti-corruption
Informal contexts
Development cooperation
Social norms and networks
U4 Issue
Follow the integrity trendsetter
In some societies people come to see corruption as the norm. Programmes that bring youth into contact with integrity trendsetters can help change…
20 February 2019
Civil society
Social norms and networks
U4 Issue
The cognitive psychology of corruption
Power, personal gain and self-control, loss aversion and risk acceptance, rationalisation, and emotion can all influence corrupt acts. Making the…
3 June 2018
Social norms and networks
Informal contexts
Anti-corruption basics
U4 Issue
Corruption and collective action
3 March 2015
Development cooperation
Civil society
Informal contexts
Social norms and networks
U4 Helpdesk Answer
Nigeria: Evidence of corruption and the influence of social norms
26 September 2014
Anti-corruption basics
Social norms and networks
U4 Issue
Revenue administration and corruption
1 January 2005
Development cooperation
Public financial management
Informal contexts
Social norms and networks

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The U4 Anti-Corruption Resource Centre works to reduce the harmful impact of corruption on society. U4 is a permanent centre at Chr. Michelsen Institute in Norway.

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