Sectoral Corruption Risk: a Comparative Study of Czech and Swiss Businesses

Corruption risks vary significantly across business sectors, yet systematic empirical studies on these variations are scarce. This paper addresses this gap by examining sector-specific corruption risks through a comparative analysis of survey data from the Czech Republic and Switzerland. The study focuses on key sectors such as healthcare, construction, finance, and procurement to uncover sector-specific risk factors and assess the effectiveness of anti-corruption measures. The primary research questions are: 1. What are the corruption risks affecting different sectors, and how do these risks compare between the Czech and Swiss contexts? 2. Which sector-specific anti-corruption measures are mainly used by business, and how does their effectiveness vary by sector and country? This analysis draws on data from two key surveys: a Czech survey conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice in 2022 and a Swiss business survey developed with the Swiss Chambers of Commerce in 2013 and 2024. Both surveys targeted professionals directly involved in sector-specific activities, including representatives from companies, regulatory bodies, and NGOs. Using a cross-country, cross-sectoral comparative framework, the study examines quantitative responses to identify patterns in corruption risk and evaluates the impact of current anti-corruption strategies. Preliminary findings reveal considerable differences in corruption risk levels across sectors. Anti-corruption measures, such as compliance programs tailored to specific sectors, demonstrate varying degrees of success, with cross-country discrepancies influenced by institutional settings and sectoral dynamics. The paper also addresses methodological challenges, including issues related to sectoral diversity and survey response rates, and discusses their implications for the validity of cross-country comparisons. By focusing on the intersection of sectoral and national factors, this research deepens the understanding of corruption risks and the effectiveness of anti-corruption strategies across diverse business environments. The findings underscore the importance of developing customized anti-corruption policies that account for sector-specific characteristics, challenging the notion of universally applicable anti-corruption frameworks.