Development of a Scale for Evaluating Attitudes Towards Corruption in the Colombian Population (EAC-3)

Abstract

Corruption is a global problem with effects in the political, economic, social and even environmental spheres. This phenomenon can be experienced and observed by any individual in various everyday situations —personal, political, work-related and academic—, towards which people express a range of attitudes that need to be objectively assessed. An empirical and quantitative study of a psychometric and instrumental nature was developed with the aim of designing a scale for measuring and evaluating attitudes towards corruption. A theoretical review was conducted, based on which a table of specification was developed to establish the dimensions and the number of relevant items to be included per intersection. The items were designed and subjected to validation by experts and, after making the necessary adjustments, the scale was administered to 386 Colombian adults aged between 18 and 83 (M=26.73; SD=13.69). Then, an exploratory factor analysis was carried out, grouping the items into three factors: attitudes towards self-corruption, attitudes towards corruption of others, and attitudes towards corruption in positions of power. Reliability analyses were also carried out, which revealed high internal consistency and reliability (Cronbach's alpha = 0.873; GLB = 0.938) and high validity (explained variance of 51.6%). Finally, the rating scales were developed. In conclusion, the scale for evaluating attitudes towards corruption EAC-3 is a valid, reliable, and consistent instrument for use in the Colombian context, and it is recommended to evaluate attitudes towards corruption as a risk indicator of such behavior. © 2024, Universidad Catolica de Colombia. All rights reserved.