Project Co\Mun: Citizen Perception of Municipal Corruption in Puerto Rico

This chapter intents to contribute to understanding the consolidation of corruption in local governments in Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico’s particular socio-political condition as a colony of the United States sets it apart from the rest of the studies included in this book. The case is theoretically relevant because it provides evidence on how corruption plays out in a different context while asserting similar patterns. To understand citizen perception on municipality corruption researchers used an explanatory mixed methods approach, adapting to Puerto Rico’s context the original survey developed by Meza & Pérez-Chiqués. Thereafter, a focus group with experts in corruption was conducted to deepen survey findings. Among the results, the following stand out corruption is perceived as normal actions in municipal administration processes; there is a lack of trust in politicians; the colonial context influences how oversight and the consequences of being corrupt are perceived; there is a lack of effective counterweights, among others. Recommendations for futures studies are offered.