Yaroslav Prytula

An experimental evaluation of an anti-corruption intervention among Ukrainian university students

In this paper, we investigate experimentally the effect of an anti-corruption intervention – an info folder based on materials developed by Transparency International – on Ukrainian university students’ willingness to participate in an anti-corruption campaign and their general attitude toward corruption. In a survey of 600 students in the Ukrainian city of Lviv, individuals were randomly exposed to either the anti-corruption folder (treatment group) or a folder with information about Lviv (control group). The results suggest that students who have previous experience with bribing are more open to the campaign, while the effect on the total sample is not statistically significant. Furthermore, the intervention increases the overall perception that corruption is a (long-term) part of society rather than a temporary phenomenon. Finally, students with experience in corrupt practices tend to adopt a more negative view of corruption. For those without such experiences, however, we find some indication that the treatment could bolster the acceptance of corruption by instructing the students about its dissemination. The effects of this intervention are therefore ambivalent and appear to depend on the students’ previous exposure to corruption.

Trust and Perceived Corruption Among Ukrainian Firms

This article investigates how firms build trust with one another and with third parties in endemically corrupt environments where trust is usually very low and significantly affected by corruption. Based on a representative survey of firms operating in Ukraine, an endemically corrupt environment, the authors explore some mechanisms for building trust. The study outcomes suggest positive correlations between the perception of corruption and trust among firms (especially through such mechanisms as using patronage at all levels, inviting business partners to restaurants or parties, and introducing business partners to family and friends), while other mechanisms (such as showing expertise in the field, developing communication competencies, and using notaries and lawyers to secure contracts) demonstrate no significant links. Moreover, the results demonstrate that foreign ownership might influence corruption and trust among firms. From a policy perspective, the authors recommend more work on understanding why firms engage in specific corrupt practices and less on destroying their informal relationships. International exposure might be an additional tool for mitigating corruption in Ukraine.

The Shadow Economy and Enterpreneurship In Ukraine

This chapter gives an overview of the shadow economy in Ukraine. After a short historical introduction, the authors present and compare data from 2013 and 2015 (before and after the Revolution of Dignity) and argue that Ukrainian entrepreneurs often resort to corruption in order to save their businesses, retain their employees and gain competitive advantages. This ambivalence makes it extremely difficult to implement many anti-corruption measures in the country in a successful and lasting way.

Beg, borrow, or steal: determinants of student academic misconduct in Ukrainian higher education

ABSTRACT Actions underpinned by the lack of academic integrity are increasingly impacting academic processes within the higher education sector around the world. Bribery, plagiarism and other forms of deception that enable students to obtain undeserved grades or degree certificates undermine the purpose and mission of higher education. By drawing on a representative study conducted among 600 students in Ukraine, this paper explores the determinants of several forms of student academic misconduct and provides insights as to which groups of students are more likely to engage in either monetary or non-monetary corruption. Findings show the importance of students individual variation in ones levels of general corruption perception and moral stance on corruption, as well as the practical constraints on ones time, living conditions, willingness to study independently, gender and size of the city of origin. While paper focuses only on corruption with direct student involvement, it also outlines a research agenda by discussing the importance of second-order corruption, as well as the role of faculty members and administration in student academic misconduct. Findings will be useful for educators, policymakers and other practitioners.