In the Name of Corruption: Charting Perception of Corruption and Its Effects on Citizens in Croatia
In the Name of Corruption: Charting Perception of Corruption and Its Effects on Citizens in Croatia

Summary/Abstract: On 1st July 2013, Croatia became the 28th member to the European Union, and the main concern for many is the country’s level of corruption. Thus, the survey attempts to capture the level of corruption (perception of corruption and experience with corruption) as Croatia transitions closer to Western European and the European Union. The survey examines perceptions of corruption and experiences with corruption and their implications on society in Croatia. Thus, the survey intends to chart the following aspects: (1) perception of corruption, (2) who is most responsible for corruption in the country, (3) the implications of perception of corruption on voting behaviour, (4) whether direct experience with corruption determines voting behaviour. The paper utilizes original data collected from 761 survey respondents from 1st October 2012 to 30th June 2013 in Southern Dalmatia, Croatia. With respect to perception of corruption, the study confirmed a causal relationship between corruption and a lack of trust in government as well as lack of political participation (through voting). On the other hand, the study confirmed a relationship between experience with corruption (through bribery) and political participation. However, no relationship was found between experience with corruption and trust in government. Overall, the study shed light into the issue of corruption, where majority of the respondents perceive that corruption is a major problem in Croatia, especially when compared to its counterparts in European and the European Union.

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