Corruption is the discussion of the day in international development organizations and in political discourse in many countries. There have been times in Finnish history too when corruption frequently filled the front pages of the tabloids. In recent years this has not been the case. On the contrary, Finland has enjoyed high esteem in all international ratings of corruption. What are the reasons for this good position? Is the explanation our traditional administrative system, which is a typical bureaucracy based on the rule of law? Can we find reasons from our consensual political system, which emphasizes common problem solving? Can freedom of speech, an active press, open administration or transparency, be the explanation? Could it be an active civic society? Can an exceptionally strong Nordic egalitarian tradition be a major reason?
Discussion of reasons and causes of corruption leads inevitably into political systems, because administration is so closely connected to them.. Political culture and political institutions determine, in my view, the level of corruption. My basic question is: Do Institutions Matter? Not only administrative institutions but also political ones. In this short article I consider only the administrative side of the story.
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