Perceptions and Punishments of Grey Corruption: In-Group Bias and Self-Justification

This study utilizes Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to conduct an exploratory analysis of corruption characteristics in South Korea. Existing research has frequently neglected the correlation between perceptions of corrupt behavior and the anticipated consequences of such behavior. Furthermore, there is a notable scarcity of studies examining the causes behind significant variances in corruption perceptions among different societal groups, such as public officials and citizens. Consequently, this study embarks on an investigation based on “Public-opinion-centered definitions of corruption.” Two distinct scenarios were identified: clear and ambiguous corruption scenarios. A literature review disclosed that factors like “in-group bias” and “self-justification” significantly influence perceptions of corruption and its associated punishments. Subsequently, a survey of 1109 public officials was executed, employing PLS-SEM for analyzing the interplay between corruption perceptions and punishment perceptions in both clear and ambiguous scenarios. The findings suggest that in clear corruption scenarios, in-group favoritism intensifies corruption perception, while self-justification heightens punishment perception. Conversely, in ambiguous scenarios, both in-group bias and self-justification concurrently affect corruption and punishment perceptions and their interrelation, generally leading to more lenient perceptions of both. This study's insights are anticipated to contribute valuable perspectives for formulating future anti-corruption policies in South Korea, particularly in dealing with ambiguous corruption.