Despite the increasing number of anti-corruption campaigns, corruption is still a considerable challenge in many countries around the globe. We examine the link between personal characteristics and the propensity to accept corrupt behavior. In particular, we aim at illuminating how Machiavellianism and Rationalization are linked to the attitude of a person towards corrupt practices. The empirical analysis is based on the responses of 174 internationally active business professionals. As expected, the results indicate that professionals with high levels of Machiavellian traits seem to be more likely to accept corrupt behavior than those low in Machiavellian orientation. However, we find that a person’s ability to rationalize corruption has a stronger link to the likelihood to accept corrupt behavior than Machiavellianism. From these results, we offer avenues for further research and implications for practitioners.

Aram Simonyan's research focuses on international economic relations, corruption, institutional economics and culture, and entrepreneurship. He has been a guest researcher at the University of Trier and the University of Siegen, both in Germany. Aram has also held financial positions at the Armenian Air Traffic Services and “Norq” Information Analytical Centre. Professor Simonyan will spend four weeks at U-M in September 2018, working on a project entitled “The Role of Entrepreneurial Culture and Norms in Accepting Corruption” in collaboration with John Ciorciari, associate professor of public policy.

Please join us for a discussion with Professor Simonyan on Monday, September 10 at 11:30am at 3240 Weill, Gerald. R. Ford School of Public Policy.