Reporting in a Systemic Corruption Context: Voices of Citizen Witnesses

Speaking up is one of the most effective strategies to combat corruption. However, encouraging witnesses to report corruption is a complex endeavor that involves the interplay of formal and informal institutions. These interactions are particularly intricate in a context of systemic corruption, where individuals may feel discouraged from reporting due to the perception that corruption has become the expected norm. This study examines citizens’ willingness to report corruption in a country that appears to be becoming systemic. Analyzing survey data from 7,462 corruption witnesses in Chile (2020), the research explores the influence of individual determinants, institutional factors, and anti-corruption educational campaigns. Findings corroborate previous studies suggesting negative influences of collective values on reporting willingness. Notably, the study provides evidence that individuals with prior reporting experiences tend to report corruption again and that citizens’ positive assessment of corruption control entities, such as Supreme Audit Institutions, and the use of social media for educational programs can also encourage whistleblowing in systemic corruption contexts. These insights contribute to understanding the dynamics of corruption reporting and offer potential strategies for fostering a more active anti-corruption stance among citizens who face systemic corruption contexts.