ABSTRACT
In order to prevent corruption, as well as other unethical behaviour, many organizations invest in prevention, detection and employee training. Despite the heated societal debate on the possible detrimental effects of bonuses on ethical conduct in organizations, incentive schemes generally are left untouched. Up until now, scientific research on causal effects of organizational measures and bonuses on corruption has been lacking. This study assesses the causal influence of organizational measures and bonus culture on corruption in Dutch organizations. Functional experts of economic crime in organizations filled out an online questionnaire in 2014 and in 2016. The results show no consistent causal influence of organizational measures on corruption. Prevention and detection measures and employee training have not been found to substantially contribute to explaining corruption in organizations. The results do show a robust impact of bonus culture on corruption, implying that corruption in Dutch organizations might be, at least partly, a consequence of the importance of incentive schemes. Theoretical and practical implications of these results are discussed.
