A Study of Human Development Indicators in Iran with an Emphasis on Economic Corruption (2013-2021)
الموضوعات :
Hossein Akbari
1
,
Mohammad Tohidfam
2
*
1 - partment of Political Science, Kish International Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kish, Iran
2 - Department of Political Science, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
الکلمات المفتاحية: Good Governance, Human Development, Economic Corruption, Corruption Perceptions Index,
ملخص المقالة :
The Corruption Perceptions Index, a critical international index based on public opinion sur-veys, reflects the level of corruption in countries. It emphasizes the perceptions and views of experts and elites regarding the extent of bribery and embezzlement among decision-makers and policymakers. Economic corruption poses a significant obstacle to economic growth and development, leading to social ethics issues, increased poverty and injustice, and reduced gov-ernance legitimacy and efficiency. This study, employing a descriptive-analytical method and a deductive approach based on the theoretical framework of good governance, aims to answer the main and subsidiary question: what is the relationship between human development indi-ces and economic corruption in Iran from 2013 to 2021? And what is the correlation between economic corruption and human development indices? The varying levels of economic corrup-tion in Iran during this period have significantly impacted the human development indices in society, and these impacts have evolved. Despite substantial efforts to control economic cor-ruption through modern information technologies, the Corruption Perceptions Index has seen a decline of six ranks during this period. Furthermore, economic corruption and human devel-opment indices typically exhibit an inverse and often negative correlation. This research delves into the relationship between human development indices and societal and economic corruption, providing empirical evidence of their impact and relationship.
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https://otaghiranonline.ir/UFiles/Images/2018/9/16/Img20180916005755147.jpg
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International Journal of Political Science
ISSN: 2228-6217
Vol 14, No 2, June 2024, (pp. 37-53)
A Study of Human Development Indicators in Iran with an Emphasis on Economic Corruption (2013-2021)
Hossein Akbari 1, Mohammad Tohidfam2*
1 Department of Political Science, Kish International Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kish, Iran
2* Department of Political Science, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
Received: 10 March 2024 ; Accepted: 13 June 2024
Abstract
The Corruption Perceptions Index, a critical international index based on public opinion surveys, reflects the level of corruption in countries. It emphasizes the perceptions and views of experts and elites regarding the extent of bribery and embezzlement among decision-makers and policymakers. Economic corruption poses a significant obstacle to economic growth and development, leading to social ethics issues, increased poverty and injustice, and reduced governance legitimacy and efficiency. This study, employing a descriptive-analytical method and a deductive approach based on the theoretical framework of good governance, aims to answer the main and subsidiary question: what is the relationship between human development indices and economic corruption in Iran from 2013 to 2021? And what is the correlation between economic corruption and human development indices? The varying levels of economic corruption in Iran during this period have significantly impacted the human development indices in society, and these impacts have evolved. Despite substantial efforts to control economic corruption through modern information technologies, the Corruption Perceptions Index has seen a decline of six ranks during this period. Furthermore, economic corruption and human development indices typically exhibit an inverse and often negative correlation. This research delves into the relationship between human development indices and societal and economic corruption, providing empirical evidence of their impact and relationship.
Keywords: Good Governance; Human Development; Economic Corruption; Corruption Perceptions Index
*Corresponding Author’s Email: tohidfam_m@yahoo.com |
Introduction
The Human Development Index (HDI) is presented annually by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), offering the latest information related to global development. These statistics are published annually, comparing various indicators such as education, health, economy, environment, society, politics, etc. The numerical value of the HDI ranges between zero and one. The value of the HDI shows how much progress each country has made towards reaching the highest possible value, which is one. It also enables comparisons between countries. Attention to two critical topics, the Human Development Index and economic corruption, is among the most essential issues for our country, Iran. Today, Iran has the potential for healthy economic activity, job creation for the youth, and reliable investments. This potential can be realized in an environment where investors, industrialists, scientific innovators, job seekers, and all social groups can be assured of the integrity and honesty of governmental interactions and financial and economic officials and feel secure and at peace. Reducing economic corruption is a crucial step towards this future.
If the hands of corrupt individuals and those who misuse governmental facilities are not cut off, if the privilege-seekers, the over-demanding, and the monopolists are accepted, investors, producers, and job seekers will all feel insecure and hopeless. Some of them will resort to illegal and illegitimate ways. The aim of addressing this issue is to find the suitable infrastructure and groundwork to obtain appropriate information and to provide a framework for thinking about this issue: How can corruption be prevented? What are the most critical and influential tools to avoid corruption? And what factors can be valuable and effective in improving the human development indices in Iran? The urgency of this issue cannot be overstated, as it directly impacts the economic and social well-being of the country.
To this end, the present research examines the human development indices in Iran, focusing on two fundamental factors, namely the Human Development Index and economic corruption. The high costs of corruption in recent decades have threatened human development and made fighting corruption one of the most essential programs in the country.
Corruption, the misuse of official power for personal gain, has severe consequences. It reduces trust, weakens democracy, hinders economic development, and increases inequality, poverty, and social gaps. It harms income distribution indices and economic growth, making achieving economic growth difficult. The damage that the spread of corruption causes to the national economy is such that it must be resolved and fought relentlessly. It can be said that fighting and controlling corruption is only possible with the presence, participation, and cooperation of the people and independent media and under the guidance of the knowledge and experience of intellectual and political elites. This emphasizes the urgent need to address and combat corruption.
Corruption occurs where public oversight is absent or minimal. Although oversight institutions can be helpful, it is sometimes observed that these very institutions are also prone to corruption. Domestic and foreign investments still need to materialize in a sick economic structure. Domestic capital is not attracted due to a corrupt administrative and governmental structure, and in this polluted environment, it leaves the country. In a corruption-prone climate, foreign investors face the precondition of meeting local brokers before investing. This means they must identify the instrumental elites in the government, and a portion of the investments must be given to them as a commission to obtain the necessary permits. In such conditions, the main focus is on which security strategy guarantees the return of capital and its profit in the medium term. Therefore, domestic capital flight and the lack of foreign investments become apparent when there is a general lack of investment security in a country alongside widespread corruption.
The above analyses identify two essential factors: government intervention in economic arenas and the dominance of political power over the financial sphere practically pave the way for corruption. Corruption is divided into various types, such as petty corruption, grand corruption, and systemic corruption. Petty corruption occurs on a small scale and is seen in how government employees interact with the public. Grand corruption occurs at the highest levels of government and indicates the contamination of a country's political, legal, and economic systems. Systemic corruption results from weak processes in an institution, with factors like conflicting motivations, the accumulation of power in one individual or institution, and lack of transparency contributing to this type of corruption. In a structure afflicted by systemic corruption, even honest individuals get involved in corruption willingly or unwillingly.
The undeniable consequences of financial corruption, such as the degradation of moral values, reduced public trust, erosion of social capital, demotivation, reduced competitiveness, decreased effectiveness of government activities in properly managing society, failure of efforts in poverty alleviation, social justice, and economic and human development, underline the need to address this issue more than ever.
1- Research background
Barati, Nezam, Amir. (2023), Good Governance and Combating Economic Corruption, addresses the topic that combating corruption is of fundamental importance in the current world, and fighting economic corruption has been one of the main concerns of democratically based governments. Indeed, if institutionalized, the elements of good governance, especially transparency, accountability, free access to information, and the rule of law, can significantly reduce economic corruption. From another perspective, economic, political, and administrative corruption makes good governance ineffective and will establish instability and, in a way, bad governance.
Roodsaz, Habib, and colleagues. (2023), Evaluation of Strategies in Anti-Economic Corruption Organizations, writes: This research seeks to introduce existing evaluation models and experiences in organizations fighting economic corruption to provide high-ranking managers with information on how the efficiency of these organizations can be acceptably assessed. And to present a method that can be used to ensure a fair and documented evaluation of the results and impact of these organizations' work. This research offers suggestions on how to improve these evaluations in the future. It examines the critical task of creating internal monitoring systems and processes within these organizations, showing how this can help produce useful information from existing experiences.
Torki, Gholamabbas. (2021), Analysis of Financial Corruption in Iran, addresses that financial corruption is among the organized crimes committed by misusing administrative positions, information, and public facilities, resulting in the illicit connection between power and wealth. The undeniable consequences of financial corruption, such as the degradation of moral values, the reduction of public trust, the erosion and attrition of social capital, the creation of demotivation and reduced competitiveness, the decreased effectiveness of government activities in the proper administration of society, the failure of efforts in poverty alleviation, social justice, and economic and human development, make the need to address this issue more evident than ever.
Tohidfam, Mohammad. (2018), Good Governance and Social Security System, wrote: Good governance was initially based on more economic concepts and gradually became more political and governmental. Therefore, the definition of good governance in recent decades includes democratizing politics, including elections, accountability, and transparency. Now, new approaches and perspectives from global forums and international organizations, such as the United Nations, have a human and software-oriented approach. Good governance provides a state of development in which the poor and low-income individuals are prioritized. It also emerges from the United Nations Development Program's national development plan document that the topic of good governance is raised to achieve sustainable human development, which emphasizes poverty reduction, job creation, sustainable welfare, environmental protection, and revitalization, focusing on concepts such as improving the quality of life and providing social welfare and social justice.
Anbari, Mousa. (2018), Sociology of Development, Approach to Quality of Life and Human Development, writes: Human development seeks to expand the range of choices for people to live a suitable, creative, accessible, and dignified life. Increasing trade and investment, and technological advancement are significant for human growth; however, they are tools and not the ultimate end. The fundamental issues are expanding human choices, long and healthy lives, education, decent living standards, and enjoying political and civil liberties in social life. Achieving a long life, complete health, gaining a wealth of knowledge and awareness, having sufficient income to buy food, clothing, and housing, and participating in decisions that directly affect the lives and destinies of individuals in society, and similar factors are considered indicators of this development.
2- Research Methodology and Theoretical Framework
This research uses the theoretical framework of good governance to reach the result. For this purpose, we first define the theoretical definition of economic corruption, human development, and good governance. Then, we provide an empirical analysis of the relationship and correlation between economic corruption and human development indicators and the impact of economic corruption on human development indicators in Iran from 2013 to 2021.
3- Conceptual Model of Research
4- Good Governance
The World Bank believes that good governance aims to maximize the public good through the improvement of high economic growth and the provision of basic needs, as well as the support of fundamental rights such as the expansion and freedom of information. This definition of good governance correctly emphasizes that political, economic, and social priorities must be based on broad consensus in society, and the voice of the most vulnerable people should be heard in decisions about allocating development resources and human resources. This is where good governance is compatible with justice and equality. Good governance is exercising power to manage a country's economic and social resources to achieve development. Around the world, national, regional, and international institutions are looking for an opportunity to help countries strengthen their capacity to increase their per capita income by improving institutions and good governance processes. To end extreme poverty and achieve shared prosperity, capable, responsive, and comprehensive institutions are needed, and to achieve sustainable progress, it is vital to eliminate executive gaps in governance and restore citizens' trust.
5- Corruption Perception Index (CPI):
The Corruption Perception Index is the most important international index based on opinion polling and showing the level of corruption in countries with an emphasis on the type of mentality and perception of experts and elites of the society regarding the level of bribery and embezzlement among the decision makers and policymakers of that society. The CPI index does not measure corruption because corruption is a hidden phenomenon. The CPI index only measures the public perception of corruption. Every year, the Transparency International Organization considers several indicators for opinion polling and announces the average of these indicators to express the level of corruption in different countries. The corruption perception index in Iran from 2013 to 2021 was 150, 149, 146, 138, 130, 131, 130, 136, 144 respectively (Chart No. 1).
6- Good Governance and Human Development
Good governance means interaction between politicians and people to achieve satisfaction, social justice, and transparency. The relationship between good governance and human development is directly related. In good governance, the functioning of the judicial system, the fight against corruption, media freedom, and civil society are considered. On the other hand, human development means the sustainable improvement of people's living standards and living conditions with an approach that provides opportunities, education, health, and security. Good governance has a significant impact on human development. Because good governance leads to public trust in rulers and public organizations. Good governance allows people to participate actively in political programs and critical decisions. Because access to information and transparency of information is vital to fight and prevent corruption. Good governance and human development have two mutual aspects that interact and provide the possibility of creating a just, equal, and sustainable society. Therefore, there is an inseparability between good governance and human development, which in implementation leads to the necessity of good government and prosperity, and it can be said that there is a close relationship between good governance and sustainable human development (Tohidfam, 2017, p. 218).
7-Human Development Index (HDI)
The human development index is a summary of human development measurements that measure the average success achieved in a country in the three main dimensions of human development: 1- long and healthy life, 2- access to education, and 3- dignified life standards (employment and unemployment). The Human Development Index, provided annually by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) since 1990, provides the latest information on global development and includes national, regional, and global estimates. These statistics are published annually, and various indicators such as educational, health, economic, social, environmental, political, etc. are compared. Each index is between zero and one, where one is the best and zero is the worst. The purpose of presenting these reports is to provide comparable and high-quality international statistics in the field of development, the quality of life of people, and efficient transformation around the world. The theoretical basis of this index is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, established by the United Nations. According to this declaration, man is considered the goal and beneficiary of development. The importance of quantitative indicators is determined according to people's priorities, cultures, and needs (Anbari, 2017, p. 385).
The most important factors influencing the Human Development Index are:
A) Health and Well-being (Life Expectancy): Access to health and medical services from health and wellness programs aims to increase citizens' life expectancy. The higher the average of this variable, the better the community's health and wellness level. Additionally, health and well-being directly impact access to education, as healthier individuals have more ability to participate in education, which directly leads to higher education levels and, consequently, improves the Human Development Index.
B) Employment and Unemployment: Employment and unemployment significantly impact the Human Development Index (HDI). Employment can improve the living standards and income levels of individuals. Increased income, in turn, reduces poverty. On the other hand, unemployment negatively affects individuals' living standards and social welfare, potentially leading to decreased economic growth and social development and increased poverty, crime, and inability to access healthy nutrition and healthcare. Therefore, employment and unemployment are crucial factors for the Human Development Index. Increasing sustainable employment and reducing unemployment can improve individuals' living standards and social welfare, ultimately enhancing the Human Development Index. Suppose we evaluate unemployment in Iran alongside underemployment, which is prevalent in many workplaces. In that case, we will observe a wide range of unemployment (Beheshti, 1379:80). The global employment and unemployment scores in Iran from 2013-2021 are 10.44, 10.6, 10.8, 11.29, 11.24, 11.13, 10.93, 10.66, respectively.
C) Ease of Doing Business: The global ranking of the Iranian government in ease of doing business from 2013 to 2021 is 145, 152, 130, 117, 120, 124, 128, 127, and 127, respectively. The World Bank calculates the ease of doing business index by examining laws and regulations affecting business activities, particularly in small and medium enterprises, and ranks 190 countries based on this. This index includes 11 sub-indices: starting a business, dealing with construction permits, getting electricity, registering property, getting credit, protecting minority investors, paying taxes, trading across borders, enforcing contracts, and resolving insolvency. In the latest report on the ease of doing business index for 2020, Iran scored 58.5 and ranked 127th (Ministry of Industry, Mining, and Trade Portal, 2006- 2017: p. 3).
8- The Relationship between Economic Corruption and the Human Development Index
The relationship between economic corruption and human development indices is generally complex and dependent on multiple factors that can be examined through precise analyses. This subject depends on factors such as government policies, organizational culture, the legal system, interactions with countries worldwide, and other matters. Therefore, it is not possible to definitively and categorically comment on the nature of the relationship between economic corruption and all human development indices.
According to existing research and statistics, there is usually a negative correlation between the Human Development Index (HDI) and economic corruption. In other words, countries with a high HDI tend to have less economic corruption. This means that the level of financial corruption is generally lower in countries with a high standard of living and adequate health and educational facilities. This positive correlation indicates that human development can help reduce economic corruption because the awareness and education of the people, as well as equality and access to better health and nutritional services, usually lead to a decrease in economic corruption and an increase in transparency. And justice in societies.
The Human Development Index is a tool for greater productivity and is particularly important. An increase in corruption can lead to a decrease in the level of human development, a reduction in productivity, an increase in poverty, and a decrease in the level of good governance indices.
Najar and Khorsand, in 2019, studied the relationship between human development indices and administrative corruption in selected countries from 2010 to 2012. Their examination of the results indicates a statistically significant strong relationship between the Human Development Index (HDI)) and the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI). Additionally, the results show that the sub-indices of human development (life expectancy, educational advancement, and gross national income) as independent variables influence the level of the administrative corruption index, with the most significant impact belonging to the gross national income sub-index.
Shokouhi Fard and colleagues in 2019 examined the impact of corruption on human development from 2004 to 2017 using a quantile regression model. The model's estimated results indicate that, at a significant level, the Corruption Perceptions Index harms the Human Development Index. The influence of economic freedom, the urbanization rate, democracy indices, and actual wage rates on human development is positive. Also, the impact of the unemployment rate on human development is negative.
Corruption is one of the critical factors that can hinder the growth and economic development of countries and disrupt the financial structure of society. Corruption in any sector can be considered a negative factor that eliminates optimal conditions and confronts the workforce with frustration and weakness. In any society where corruption has penetrated, hope for development and progress will be extinguished (Sadri Oskooi, Seyed Mehdi, and colleagues, 2020, p. 160).
9- The Political Consequences of the Relationship between Economic Corruption and the Human Development Index
The relationship between the Human Development Index (HDI) and economic corruption in societies and countries is complex and can have various political consequences. Many researchers have pointed to the negative impacts of perceived corruption on political phenomena, including political distrust and reduced citizen support for ideologies and governing structures. There are two perspectives on the political consequences of perceived corruption in society.
The first perspective is optimistic. Proponents of this view believe corruption in developing societies acts as grease for the wheels. By removing bureaucratic obstacles, citizen support for the political system increases. This group of researchers argues that corruption functions as a tool to connect different sectors of society, which is critically needed in developing societies. Specifically, Huntington emphasizes the inefficiency of laws and institutions in developing countries and sees corruption as a way to overcome the inefficiencies of rules and regulations, considering it a positive matter.
Conversely, another group of researchers argues that by shifting the governance paradigm to a patronage system, corruption leads to a loss of trust in the political system. Indeed, this group of studies insists that corruption is the main factor in political distrust among citizens, resulting in a legitimacy crisis and reduced public support for political systems. Of course, people have different views on corruption in economic sectors. Therefore, it is necessary to focus studies on specific aspects of corruption (Babaei et al., 2022, p. 2).
Observations indicate that economic corruption leads to a decrease in the HDI in the country, resulting in increased income distribution inequality, lower levels of education and training, and a decline in the quality of life and life expectancy of citizens. This situation causes social and political conflicts and weakens people's trust in the country's political and economic system. These issues lead to inefficiency and failure in political governance and decision-making. Countries with structural, solid legal, and regulatory capacities to control corruption and achieve human development often experience real success and progress in economic, social, and political areas. Therefore, cooperation and coordination among different sectors of society to combat economic corruption and achieve human development indicators can help improve social and economic conditions.
Among the political consequences of economic corruption are increased public distrust of the government, widening gaps between social classes, and chaos in society. Financial corruption in society creates the public perception that resources allocated for public use are diverted to personal uses by politicians or to the personal use of corrupt groups and criminals. This perception leads to the belief that government officials and economic elites do not think about national interests and instead plunder and waste national resources. This can reinforce negative views towards the government, questioning the legitimacy of the regime and resulting in political crises with severe security and political consequences at national, regional, and international levels.
10- The Correlation between Economic Corruption and the Education Index
Economic corruption can harm the quality of the educational system. Conversely, an effective and up-to-date educational system can help reduce economic corruption. Economic corruption leads to injustice and also causes social dissatisfaction. This factor may result in a decrease in the quality of education, a reduction in individuals' ability to utilize resources and economic opportunities, and an increase in distributive justice in society in countries facing corruption problems and lacking sufficient resources to improve infrastructure and the quality of public education. On the other hand, a quality educational system increases societal awareness and knowledge, which may enhance individuals' ability to recognize and prevent economic corruption. Additionally, education emphasizing fundamental and ethical principles can help reduce economic corruption.
11- The Correlation between Economic Corruption and the Life Expectancy Index
Economic corruption can profoundly impact the life expectancy of individuals in a society. Economic corruption usually leads to improper distribution of wealth and resources, economic problems, reduced public trust, and increased social inequalities. When economic corruption becomes widespread in a society, public resources are distributed in favor of a limited group, reducing the accessibility of essential services for ordinary people. This leads to decreased life expectancy and inability to access education, healthcare, proper housing, and other social facilities. In general, economic corruption can negatively impact life expectancy in societies. This underscores the importance of transparent governance, financial transparency, good governance, and the accountability of officials to the public to prevent such occurrences and improve people's life expectancy. It is necessary to explain that many diverse factors influence the increase and decrease of economic corruption indices and the life expectancy index. These include the lack of transparency and separation between political and economic powers, bribery and corruption in various public and private sectors, increased financial and economic management transparency, developing and strengthening the governance and regulatory system, and intensifying anti-corruption laws., innovation, and their efficient implementation, and so on. The life expectancy index in Iran from 2013 to 2021 was 70.62, 73.5, 75, 75.6, 76.2, 73.4, 76.4, 75, and 73.9, respectively (Chart No. 2).
12- Research Findings
In this research, by examining the status of the human development index through the relevant indicators through the Transparency International Organization, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund from the years (2013 to 2021) in Iran, the following charts are obtained:
A. In this study, based on the investigation of the corruption situation from the years (2013 to 2021), the following graph is obtained, which shows that the corruption perception index in Iran has decreased by 6 points during this period.
Chart number 1: Comparison chart of corruption in Iran in terms of corruption perception index from the years (2013 to 2021)
B. In this research, based on the life expectancy situation from the years (2013 to 2021), the following graph was obtained, which shows that the life expectancy in Iran has improved by 3.28 points in the world during this period.
Chart No. 2: Comparison diagram of human development index in Iran in terms of life expectancy from 2013 to 2021
C. In this research, based on the investigation of the employment and unemployment situation from the years (2013 to 2021), the following graph was obtained, which shows that the employment and unemployment rank in Iran has decreased by 1.24 points in the world during this period.
Chart No. 3: Comparison diagram of the human development index in Iran in terms of employment and unemployment from the years 2013 to 2021
D)In this research, based on the examination of the state of ease of doing business from the years (2013 to 2021), the following graph was obtained, which shows that the ease of doing business in Iran has improved by 18 places in the world during this period.
Chart No. 4: A comparison chart of the human development index in Iran in terms of ease of doing business from the years (2013 to 2021)
E)In this research, based on the analysis of economic corruption and human development indicators (life expectancy, employment, unemployment, and ease of doing business) in Iran in the years 2013 to 2021, the following diagrams are obtained (diagram no. 5 and diagram no. 6).
As a result of the increase in economic corruption, human development indicators (employment and unemployment, life expectancy, ease of doing business) usually decrease, which indicates weak governance in society.
Chart No. 5: Comparison chart of the impact of economic corruption on human development indicators
As a result of reducing economic corruption, human development indicators (employment and unemployment, life expectancy, ease of doing business) increase significantly, which indicates good governance in society.
Chart No. 6: Comparison chart of the impact of reducing economic corruption on human development indicators
Therefore, there is an inverse relationship and usually a negative correlation between economic corruption and the human development index (education, quality of life, life expectancy) (Chart No. 5 and Chart No. 6).
By evaluating these indicators and components in this research, the central hypothesis and the secondary hypothesis were obtained that the presence of high and low levels of economic corruption in Iran in this period had a significant impact on the indicators of human development in the society and these effects in the length of time have changed. Although many efforts were made to control economic corruption through new information technologies, the corruption perception index dropped six places. Also, there is an inverse relationship and usually a negative correlation between economic corruption and human development indicators.
Conclusion
Economic corruption in human societies dates back to the creation of humanity and civilization. It has always been the most essential factor in the survival and downfall of governments and cultures and their financial and administrative corruption levels. From this perspective, Ibn Khaldun considers the main factor in the collapse of civilizations and governments to be the extravagance, wastefulness, and bribery of state officials and rulers. In the modern world, humanity has sought solutions in democratizing power, upholding the rule of law, establishing a solid and independent judiciary, and ensuring freedom of speech and press. Consequently, democratic societies have always been at the forefront of combating corruption and hold much better positions in human development indices, transparency, and anti-corruption measures.
However, over time, non-democratic countries with aspirations for economic development have also realized that corruption is the greatest challenge to growth. Without severe and fundamental efforts to combat it, development is impossible, and the likelihood of the downfall of power and the collapse of the government increases. Therefore, in recent decades, such countries have placed the fight against corruption at the forefront of their policies. Corruption is morally reprehensible, and the public conscience always judges it before governmental authorities address it. The public sphere of society views an ideal government as one where the possibility of corruption is critically non-existent. The further a government distances itself from this attribute, the further it moves away from moral legitimacy and acceptance by public opinion. Continuing such conditions can lead to a legitimacy crisis and severe divergence between the people and the government. This divergence can result in an irreparable and frozen gap between the government on one side and the people on the other. Regaining trust and rebuilding the government's legitimacy becomes difficult in such conditions.
Based on the statistics obtained in this research through organizations such as Transparency International, the International Monetary Fund, and the World Bank concerning human development indices such as the Corruption Perceptions Index (Chart 1), life expectancy (Chart 2), employment and unemployment ( Chart 3), ease of doing business (Chart 4), and the charts reflecting the increase and decrease of economic corruption (Charts 5 and 6) during this period, and using a descriptive-analytical method and a deductive approach based on the theoretical framework of good governance, the principal and subsidiary questions were sought: What is the relationship between human development indices and economic corruption in Iran from 2013 to 2021? And what is the correlation between economic corruption and human development indices? The presence of high and low levels of transparency and economic corruption in Iran during this period has significantly impacted human development indices in society, and these impacts have changed over time. Despite numerous efforts to control economic corruption through new information technologies during this period, the Corruption Perceptions Index fell by six ranks. Additionally, there is typically an inverse and negative correlation between economic corruption and human development indices. Based on what has been stated, it can be said that an increase in economic corruption is usually accompanied by a decrease in human development indices (Chart 5), and a reduction in economic corruption is generally accompanied by an increase in human development indices (Chart 6). Therefore, attention to controlling economic corruption is essential for our country, Iran, to achieve better rankings in human development indices.
Thus, creating more transparent and accessible communications for the public (i.e., open data), developing blockchain-based architecture, reducing human intervention through e-government, increasing civil society institutions, and digitizing public services can improve the control and fight against corruption and enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the government, leading to improved human development indices in the country.
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Alini, Ehsan. (2022), The Roots and Structural Processes of Economic Corruption in Iran, Quarterly Journal of Social Planning and Development, Issue 51, p.222
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