The document summarizes key findings from corruption surveys conducted in Armenia in 2008 and 2009. It finds that corruption is still perceived as a major problem, though some indicators show slight improvements over the previous year. Respondents believe corruption exists across many levels of government and sectors of society. However, most people are still reluctant to report corrupt acts due to lack of faith in the system and fear of retaliation. The government is not seen as very effective in its anti-corruption efforts.

1. Main characteristics
Mobilizing Action Against
Corruption
• 1416 respondents in 2009 and 1549 in 2008
• ± 2.6% & ± 2.49% margin of error accordingly
CORRUPTION SURVEY OF HOUSEHOLDS
• Multistage cluster sampling with preliminary
2009
stratification by urban/rural & marz
• HH lists provided by Electric Network of
Armenia CJSC
Heghine Manasyan Hans Gutbrod
Country Director, CRRC- Armenia Regional Director, CRRC
heghine@crrc.am hans@crrccenters.org
December 11th, 2009
Yerevan
Are you interested in national politics?
Overview Situation in Armenia:
2008 & 2009
How satisfied are you with the How would you describe the
overall situation in Armenia? economic situation in Armenia?

2. What are the three most serious How serious of a problem is corruption in Armenia?
problems facing Armenia?
How does corruption today compare
with a year ago?
Perception of corruption
Is corruption a fact of life? To what extent can corruption in Armenia be
reduced?

3. How corrupt…? (2009) How common is corruption in…? (2009)
How common is corruption in…? (2009) What are the three most corrupt sectors?
Among which level of officials is corruption most How did the frequency of demands for bribes
severe? change over the last year?

4. How did the amount demanded as bribes change
over the last year?
After giving a bribe, how certain is it that a service Which of the following drive corrupt practices?
will be delivered, or a problem solved?
Personal experience
&
Individual behavior

5. Why would you…
2009 2008
Because everybody takes it 32.9 33.4
Because I need money 51.7 48.9
Because I have to “share” it with my
take a bribe? 6.6 7.1
supervisor(s)
Other 6.6 8.4
DK 2.1 2.2
Because there is a high risk to be
11.2 10.7
punished
Because it is unacceptable for me 75.6 73.0
not take a bribe? Will try to resolve the issue through legal
4.8 5.7
means
Other 7.0 9
DK 1.4 1.7
Why would you…
Social Acceptability of Bribery
(2008-2009 average)
2009 2008
Because everyone gives 9.5 8.0
Because there's no other way I can obtain the service 79.4 76.4
I would give it I would not give it
…give a bribe? I will be able to negotiate the price 4.3 7.8
Other 6.1 7.3 I would take it 18.6% 3.3%
DK 0.8 0.5
Because there is a high risk to be punished 7.4 4.6
Because it is unacceptable for me 66.7 58.4 I would not take
…not give a 35.9% 42.3%
bribe?
I will try to resolve the issue through legal means 9.1 17.7 it
Other 15.6 14.5
DK 1.4 4.9
Of those who had contact, percentage that paid.
(Not representative)

6. How effective is the Government’s fight against
Of those reluctant to report corrupt actions (91%): corruption?
Why are you reluctant to report?
Reasons 2009 2008
Those who report corruption will be subject to
46.9 46.8
retribution/retaliation
No actions will be taken even if corruption is reported. 68.5 64.0
It is not worth reporting corruption if I am not personally hurt by
55.4 37.4
it.
Most people who commit corruption only do so because of
economic hardship. 43.8 32.5
Our society does not reward those who report corruption. 70.4 64.4
How effective is the Government’s anti-corruption The Government is sincerely committed to fighting
strategy? corruption.
Lessons to Learn
TI MAP!!!!
Corruption Perception Index, Index (out of 10) Rank in the World
TI
Armenia, 2009 2.7 120
Armenia, 2008 2.9 109
Georgia, 2009 4.1 66
Georgia, 2008 3.9 67
Source: Transparency International; http://www.transparency.org/policy_research/surveys_indices/cpi/2009