Why, when and how to use the Global Corruption Barometer

Abstract

Data from Transparency International’s Global Corruption Barometer (GCB) is useful for diagnosing corruption. Development practitioners can in particular benefit from the tool at the early identification and formulation stages of a programme or a strategy, by making inferences regarding the state of corruption in a country and sector institutions. It is preferable to many other indices because it provides experience-based data. However, if questions on attribution, effectiveness or impact of specific reforms or organisations are asked, then more intervention-specific data is needed. The GCB can only be used as supplementary data when appraising, monitoring and evaluating policies, programmes, and institutions.