“Transparency International (TI) defines corruption as
the abuse of entrusted power for private gain. This definition encompasses
corrupt practices in both the public and private sectors. The Corruption
Perceptions Index (CPI) ranks countries according to perception of
corruption in the public sector. The CPI is an aggregate indicator that
combines different sources of information about corruption, making it possible
to compare countries.
The 2010 CPI draws on different assessments and
business opinion surveys carried out by independent and reputable institutions1. It captures information about the administrative and
political aspects of corruption. Broadly speaking, the surveys and assessments
used to compile the index include questions relating to bribery of public
officials, kickbacks in public procurement, embezzlement of public funds, and
questions that probe the strength and effectiveness of public sector
anti-corruption efforts.
For a country or territory to be included in the index
a minimum of three of the sources that TI uses must assess that country. Thus
inclusion in the index depends solely on the availability of information.
Perceptions are used because corruption
– whether frequency or amount – is to a great extent a hidden activity that is
difficult to measure. Over time, perceptions have proved to be a reliable
estimate of corruption. Measuring scandals, investigations or prosecutions,
while offering ‘non-perception’ data, reflect less on the prevalence of
corruption in a country and more on other factors, such as freedom of the press
or the efficiency of the judicial system. TI considers it of critical
importance to measure both corruption and integrity, and to do so in the public
and private sectors at global, national and local levels.2 The CPI is therefore one of many TI measurement tools
that serve the fight against corruption”.
