TRIBALISM AND CORRUPTION: EXPLORATION BEYOND NATIONAL CULTURE

This research study examines the relationship between tribalism and ethically suspect behaviors, and tribalism and corruption. The work is also an examination of whether tribalism is a unique cultural behavior that is different from Hofstede's and other cultural dimensions. We used the institutional anomie theory to develop my hypotheses relating tribalism to individuals' ethically suspect behaviors and corruption. Using the hierarchical linear modeling technique, multiple regression analysis, the bivariate analysis and secondary data from the tribalism index, the World Value Survey, and the KOF Index of Globalization the study showed that tribalism is a cultural dimension different from Hofstede's four cultural dimensions (i.e., power distance, uncertainty avoidance, collectivism, and masculinity). The study also showed that tribalism is positively related to corruption. Moreover, the positive relationship between tribalism and corruption is weaker at a higher level of globalization. However, the study did not support the positive relationship between tribalism at the country level and ethically suspect behaviors at the individual level. Future research, theoretical and practical implications, and research limitations are also discussed