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    Relationship between Central Bank Independence, inflation and economic growth

    1. Introduction

    Central bank independence (CBI) has become a key concept in monetary theory and policy. CBI

    refers to the extent to which a central bank of any given country is independent from any

    influence, whether political or otherwise. A number of economists have observed that CBI is

    economically desirable as it is very crucial in reaching the long-term goal of price-stability. It is

    also the most recommended mechanism of reaching low inflation rates in any economy. The

    benefits of CBI have confirmed by the idea that more and more OECD countries have made their

    central banks independent. The peak of this trend is the creation of the (ECB), European Central

    Bank, which, according to its statutes, is the most independent central bank in the world.

    Many Countries have implemented reforms designed to grant their monetary independence from

    direct political influence. In early 1900 many central banks were accompanied by deep changes

    in central bank legislation in a bid to ensure their independence. This was common to countries

    which had previous history inflation. On theoretical grounds central bank reform has been

    informed by inconsistency of Kyland and Prescott models (1977) and Barro and Gordeon (1983).

    These showed government that were facing trade-off between inflation and unemployment are

    tempted to choose higher inflation than optimal inflation. However Ragoff ( 1985) proved that

    inflation ally bias could be reduced by delegating the monetary policy to an independent and

    conservative central bank. On the spherical side the evidence form developed countries supports

    the idea that increased central bank independence in negatively associated with inflation. Studies

    by Cukierman et al (1992) reported a negative relationship between legal CBI inflation and

    developed countries but failed to obtain similar results for developing countries.

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    2. LITERATURE REVIEW

    According to Cukierman central bank independence is freedom to pursue the objective of price

    stability and not unconditional independence from government. Cukierman identifies four

    different ranking of central bank independence. In additional he spells out that legal

    independence as the most vital determinant of central bank independence in the developed

    countries. In developing countries legal independence has not been adhered to. The rate of

    central banks governor also explains the rate of inflation. Central banks of developed countries

    are more independent than the developing countries. (William N. Toggins, 2008 P88-89)

    Central bank credibility can be realized by ensuring its independence through policy objective.

    An independent central bank is able to provide monetary policy with the consultation with the

    government. It is imperative to note that when monetary policy is put in place to address multiple

    objectives like inflation and unemployment then it brings about a lot of inconsistency. Anti-

    inflationary policies may not be feasible as some government might be tempted to raise inflation

    so that to rise employment. Most Central banks of developed country have come up with

    measures to reduce time inconsistency in monetary policy. Central bank governors have been

    given a long tenure to avoid political pressure. In addition conservatives who dislike inflation are

    often appointed as governors. These measures have managed to keep the inflation low.

    Eventually they are able to maintain inflation low by putting pressure on the government to put

    in place disciplined fiscal policies. On the other hand central banks of the developing countries

    have less autonomy is pursuing monetary policy. Most developing countries consider rapid

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    economic growth more than price stability. Countries which dislike inflation ensure the

    independence of their central banks. (Akhand A. H. 2009. P52-54)

    The empirical evidence on the central bank independence and the real economy output is

    relatively thin. However there are two views of the same. One asks whether there is direct link

    between central bank independence and output. The seconds seeks to know whether CBI is

    related to the cost of disinflation. Economic theory suggests that central bank independence

    might impact on the real economy. Greater inflation avoidance by a conservative central bank

    may lead to Greater output volatility. Establishment of independent central bank does not

    necessarily increase the output volatility

    The relationship of central bank independence was published in the years 1988 to 1996. These

    studies confirm the inverse relationship of the central bank independence and the inflation. For

    the above statement to hold water CBI in developed countries should be measured by legal

    indices and in developing countries by behavioral indices. One of the early empirical studies on

    the central bank independence was carried out by Bade and Parkin who concluded that there

    exist a significant inverse relationship between CBI and inflation. Other known macroeconomic

    factors that influence inflation are the openness of the economies. It suggests that the openness

    and inflation are inversely related in a politically stable country. Political instabilities also might

    be a real cause of inflation. Central bank independence has effects on average rate of returns.

    Lower rate of inflation is associated with small we capital stock per man. More recent studies

    have confirmed the relationship between inflation and economic growth is inversely related.

    However the extent of growth losses remains controversial. A number of empirical studies

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    Suggest neither that long term growth nor the variability of growth correlate with the degree of

    central bank independence in the developed countries. The above view was held by De Haan and

    Eijffinger suggest that neither long term growth nor variability of growth correlate with the

    degree of central bank independence. (Nigel H., Barry H. R, 2003 p.433-437)

    Campillo and Miron have showed that central bank independence has no correlation with

    average inflation. Instead they argue that the degree of openness is an important factor in

    explaining inflation. Campillo and Miron affirmed that debt to GDP ratio in accounting for cross

    country inflationary variation. In this case, higher values of this ratio, being directly related to

    high average inflationary levels. They further suggest that the relationship between CBI and

    inflation breaks down under alternative measures of CBI. Sturm and de Haan observe that this

    relationship breaks down when influential observations are not included and when controlling for

    macroeconomic variables (Eijiffinger et al 1997). Franzese (1999) observed that the CBI has a

    very strong negative effect on inflation with high union density, un-open economy high inflation

    abroad, small financial sector low bargaining conditions and when the government is leftist.

    A recent study using panel regressions by Jacome and Vazquez (2005) found that legal Central

    Bank Independence and inflation are negatively related. The study was conducted in 24

    Caribbean and Latin America countries. The study however, did not show the causal relationship

    running from inflation to CBI. In transitional economies, there is no relationship between CBI

    and inflation in the early stages but when controlled for unsustains levels of liberalization, wars

    and price deregulation, the relationship becomes inverse (Cukierman, Miller and Neyapti, 2002).

    A study by Lybek (1999), found an inverse relationship between CBI and inflation in the former

    Soviet Union. Price stability in majority of the OECD countries was achieved before more

    independence was given to the Central Banks (Daunfeldt and De Luna, 2003)

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    Other scholars Johnson and Sickles found little relationship between the measured responses of

    short term interest rates to political influences and measures the independence based on central

    banking laws. Eijiffinger and de Haan showed how central bank independence is related to

    factors such as natural rate of unemployment as suggested by Rogoff Model. (Carl E. W., 2003)

    2.1 Central Bank Independence and Economic Growth.

    The evidence on CBI and economic growth is rather tenuous. In most cases, studies have shown

    no correlation between the two, but a few studies have shown a positive or fragile relationship

    between the economic growth and the CBI (Akhad 1998 and Fujiki, 1996). A scholar by the

    name Fuhrer (1997) observes that Central Bank independence is related to lower levels of

    economic growth and higher unemployment rate. This means that the stronger the CBI, the lower

    the rate of growth in the economy and the lower the employment levels. However, Jordan (1997)

    came up with the theory that it is only during periods of disinflationary that CBI matters. He puts

    forward that the higher the CBI, the higher the output loss and the higher the sacrifice ratio.

    Down (2004) collaborates to this finding.

    Due to this ambiguity in the relationship between the Central bank independence and the

    Economic growth rate, there is need to clarify the nexus between the two. As a result of wage

    and price stickiness and inflation and unemployment trade-offs in the short-run, there is a

    positive correlation between the growth rate in a given country and the inflation rate in that

    country. However, high and variable inflation in the long-run increases instances of uncertainties

    that reduce economic growth by discouraging investments that are long-term. Cukierman et al.

    (1993), Rudebusch and Wilcox (1994), Bruno and Easterly (1998) and Barro (1995) confirms

    this negative correlation relationship between inflation and economic growth.

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    It is evident, from the foregoing, that there is no conclusive evidence of the relationship between

    the economic performance and the Central Bank Independence. This is a clear indication that

    more rigorous analysis should be done on the issues concerned. For instance, while it is a known

    fact that Central bank independence is one of the several factors that could affect inflation, it is

    not clearly so in the case of economic growth. Unless we relate inflation to economic growth

    then to CBI, we cannot be able to determine the relationship between the two conclusively.

    However, it is very vital to try and measure the relationship of the two. While doing this, care

    should be taken to ensure that the measurement of central bank independence is not biased. All

    critical issues should be put into consideration. (Toggins N. W,2008, P 89-91)

    2.2 Effects of political systems on the relationship between CBI and economic growth .

    As earlier stated, the relationship between the CBI and the economic growth has not been clearly

    analyzed. However, many scholars have suggested that they are negatively correlated. The

    question now is; does political stability or instability affect this relationship?

    The main role of central bank is to control inflation. They have the power to create the nationals

    currency which means that central banks have vital roles in economic management. The majority

    of central banks are state owned, which means that the central bank governor is a government

    official. The governors and politicians may have differing views on policies and it is at this point

    that the Central bank Independence and political authority become significant. In the recent past,

    central bank independence has been increased in a move to restrict the avenues for political

    influence in monetary policy and decision making. In doing so, monetary policy will be free

    from political business cycles hence the economic growth will not be affected. Central bankers,

    although appointed by government officials, are assumed to be capable of making independent

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    decisions even if these decisions conflict with the government. CBI has become a legal standard

    with a trend towards more independence and thus more control on inflation. A normative for CBI

    revolves around the fact that central bank governors are more averse than politicians when it

    comes to matters of inflation. Despite this fact though, the CBI theory of controlling inflation is

    flawed. This is because inflation is determined by a number of factors which includes credit

    creation and money supply increase which are not in the control of Central bank.

    Increased CBI also raises issues on accountability. The central bank governors are legally

    accountable to the elected politicians. These politicians may have differing opinions on the issues

    and this raises questions on the extent of central bank independence. The politicians have a say

    in the long-run in regards to decisions of controlling inflation and therefore controlling the

    economic performance.

    In conclusion, political systems have a huge impact on the relationship between Central Bank

    Independence and the economic growth. The Central bank governors are accountable to elected

    politicians who are prone to pushing their agenda in the decisions of the Central bank. This

    affects the monetary policies laid down by the central bank to control inflation which in turn

    affects the economic performance.

    Further, the transparency of Central bank and political systems differ. While Central bank

    independence and fixed exchange rates are alternative monetary commitments that differ in

    transparency, transparency of monetary commitments and political systems are perfect

    substitutes (William T Bernhard, Lawrence Broz and William Roberts, 2003). It is due to this

    fact that the government should look for a more transparent and constrained commitment such as

    the fixed exchange rate when the political decision making is not transparent. In this way, the

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    transparency of the monetary commitment will serve to substitute the political system to

    engender policies of low inflation. In cases where political systems are transparent, commitments

    to CBI can produce very low inflation because the private agents and the opposition side of

    politicians are free to monitor, detect and punish government interference in central banks

    decisions. Studies indicate that CBI is more effective in controlling inflation, and thus economic

    performance, in nations where levels of political transparency is high. That is to say, politics

    have more influence in nations with autocratic politics as opposed to nations with democratic

    politics where Central Bank Independence has more impact. (Wankel C. 2009, P250-251)

    2.3 Effects of Unemployment rate to the relationship between CBI and Economic

    performance

    Recent studies have shown that the relationship between unemployment and inflation varies with

    the degree of central bank independence. The findings by scholars indicate that an increase in the

    central bank independence tends to raise unemployment levels and inflation especially when the

    centralized wage bargainings (CWB) are low. At intermediate and higher levels of centralized

    wage bargainings, an increase in Central bank independence tends to reduce the rates of

    unemployment and inflation.

    A recent study by Kilponen (1999a) supports the argument that increased CBI raises

    unemployment levels. Kilponen does an estimation of a pooled annual time-series model for 17

    countries that are members of OECD for the years 1973 to 1996. This annual series includes a

    number of institutional variables controlling. The estimates from the study suggest that there is a

    positive correlation relationship between the central bank conservatism and the rate of

    unemployment. However, the central bank independence lowers the rate of unemployment. This

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    study helps us to understand why there is a negative relationship between the CBI and

    unemployment at higher levels of centralized wage bargainings. Inflation, according to the

    study, is significantly negatively correlated with Central Bank independence but not with

    conservatism of the central bank. Kilponen does not however, provide a conclusive test for the

    interaction between the central bank characteristics and the centralized wage bargainings.

    Iversen (1998a, 1998b, 1999) reports broadly similar relations between the unemployment rate

    and the inflation, but finds that an increase in the CBI increases unemployment at higher levels

    of CWB and lowers it at intermediate levels of CWB. This implies that unemployment affects

    the relationship between CBI and inflation. Inflation strictly increases in Central bank

    independence.

    There is no conclusive evidence on the effects of unemployment to the CBI inflation

    relationship. The data sets and empirical set-ups differ widely and so the results are far from

    conclusive. For instance, unemployment has been found to have both effects on the CBI i.e. to

    increase and decrease in the CBI at any level of CWB. However, the recent studies have more

    support than previous studies. The studies have shown the importance of merging the aspects of

    CBI and CWB in determining the relationship between inflation, unemployment and central

    bank independence. The change of unemployment induced by increase in the level of central

    bank independence has been found to have both negative and positive relationship. This is

    perhaps a result of the heterogeneous econometric set-ups employed so far. The approaches of

    scholars differ widely with regards to the data and models used. Another problem with the

    studies conducted so far is that they use central bank independence to characterize monetary

    policy while on the other hand, theoretical predictions focus on the conservatism of central bank.

    (Sayer S., 2001, P 200-201

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    2.4 Effects of government expenditure on the relationship between CBI and economic

    growth

    Policy makers have two opposing opinions on whether government spending helps or hinders

    economic growth. On one side, it is argued that government spending provide valuable goods to

    the public and boost economic growth by putting money into peoples pockets. On the other

    hand, it is argued by proponents of smaller government that the government is too big and

    through its spending, it transfers additional resources from the hands of the private sector which

    is more productive to the hands of the government which uses the resources less efficiently and

    thus, undermining the economy.

    There is no conclusive evidence on either of these opinions. Indeed, it is argued by almost all

    economists that there are times when higher levels of government spending enhance the growth

    in the economy and other situations in which, lower levels of government spending enhance

    economic growth. (Mitchell Daniel, 2005)

    Douglas, Gregory and Lawrence, 2008 in their investigation of whether Central bank

    independence is associated with the government budget balance found out that there was no

    significant effect. They argue that this could be a result of lack of significant spending by

    governments in medium-constraints states. Alternatively, the lack of significant effect could be a

    result of decline of interest rates which is associated with reduced inflation.

    We may conclude that in cases where government spending is too significant as to affect the

    inflation rate in a particular country, the CBI is also affected as the central bank tries to control

    the inflation. However, this is not always the case and economists need to do more research on

    this topic. (Douglas W. E, Gregory M. N, Lawrence H. S, 2008, P402)

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    3.EMPIRICAL STUDY

    3.1 Central Bank Independence and Inflation

    There exists empherical evidence that CBI helps to reduce inflation. This evidence generally consist of

    different country regressions using proxies of CBI based on statutes of central bank or the turnover of

    governors. Cukerman (1994) summarizes the empherical correlation between CBI on one hand and the

    inflation and economic growth on the other hand as follows. Legal central bank independence indices are

    negatively correlated with inflation but turnover rate of central bank governors has no correlation with

    inflation in developed countries.

    3.2 Central Bank independence and Conservativeness

    Economic growth has no correlation with CBI indices among industrialized countries. The legal CBI

    index of Cukierman is not correlated with inflation, but TOR of Cukierman et al among developing

    countries. The TOR is correlated with economic growth whereas legal indices are not correlated with

    economic growth among developing countries. It is assumed that policy makers seek to minimize the loss

    function which represents the preferences of the society. (S. StuartS2001)

    = + )2 Equation 3.1

    Yt denotes out put , Y* represents desired output and is government weight on output stabilization ( X>0

    . Output is simplified by Lucas supply function.

    Equation 3.2

    Where denotes actual inflation and e denotes expected inflation and is a random shock with Zero

    mean. Policy makers seek to minimize inflation and with rational expectations inflations turns out to be

    =X - equation 3.3

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    The first term is inflationary Bias with credibility problem. The second term denotes degree of

    stabilization of out put shocks of inflation. (S. StuartS2001)

    Scenario 2. Suppose the central bank is more independent and the governor is a conservative baker who

    prefers a lower inflation than the government. This implies that the banker is more inflation averse than

    the government.

    =X - + ( )2 Equation 3.4

    Where denotes the additional inflation aversion by the central banker.The Central bank is relevant only

    when it is able to determine the monetary policy. This can be modeled as follows

    = + ( ) Equation 3.5

    Denotes the degree of central bank independence to the extent of the central bank loss function. If

    =1 this implies central bank is independent and hence fully determines the monetary policy . In this case

    with a rational expectations inflation will be as follows. (While minimizing the government loss)

    = - Equation 3.6

    If we compare equations 3.3 and 3.6 one can easily see the inflationary bias of at right side of the

    equation. In this case one can conclude that delegating monetary to a conservative central bank leads to a

    low inflation. However there exist optimal level of independence versus conservativeness

    ( ) In the equation 1.6 both inflation and CBI matters . Its imperative to note that if that if the central

    bank has the same degree of inflation averseness with the central government then the independence does

    not matter. Holding all other factors constant increasing the bank conservativeness and consequent

    increase in independence then inflation will be decreased or else they will adopt a inflationary averse

    monetary policy. (S. StuartS2001)

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    3.3 Data analysis

    Table 3.1

    Correlations Developed Countries

    Inflation CBI

    Inflation Pearson Correlation 1 .062

    Sig. (2-tailed) .922

    N 5 5

    CBI Pearson Correlation .062 1

    Sig. (2-tailed) .922

    N 5 5

    Table 3.2

    Coefficientsa

    Model

    Unstandardized Coefficients

    Standardized

    Coefficients

    t Sig.B Std. Error Beta

    1 (Constant) .565 .275 2.052 .133

    Inflation .012 .115 .062 .107 .922

    a. Dependent Variable: CBI

    Table 3.3

    Coefficientsa

    Model

    Unstandardized Coefficients

    Standardized

    Coefficients

    t Sig.B Std. Error Beta

    1 (Constant) .551 .100 5.505 .012

    INFLATION .001 .001 .414 .787 .489

    a. Dependent Variable: CBI

    Table 3.3

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    Developed country CBI Inflation

    Canada 0.45 2.738

    Switzerland 0.64 1.559United Kingdom 0.47 0.87

    Italy 0.92 2.575

    United States 0.48 3.357

    Figure 3.1

    Table 3.2

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    Canada has a CBI of 0.45 and the rate of the inflation rate stands at 2.738 . Whereas a country like

    United King dom has almost similar CBI and and a lower inflation rate. A country like the united states

    has a CBI of 0.48 and and a corresponding infaltion rate of 3.357. These countries have a relatively

    independent central bank and have put in place corresponding monetary policies to ensure that the

    inflation is mantaines at a minimum. These is a scenario of inflation averse countries. In addition the

    countries have ensured that the central bank governors have a long term in their office and ensure that the

    central bank is conservative in nature. In that it prefers to maintain the status quo and thus ensuring price

    stability. Some scholars have explored other ways of mantaining price stabilty while ensuring that the

    inflationary averse.These countries explore the option of sustainable fiscal policy. Price stability means

    the inflation rate measured in on the basis of counsumer price index and must not exceed 1.5 percent that

    of the best performing countries.

    Table 3.3

    Developing countries CBI INFLATION

    Kenya 0.5 9.955

    Botswana 0.45 8.34

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    Croatia 0.44 4.69

    Ire land 0.84 5.24

    Belarus 0.73 168.8

    Table 3.4

    Correlations Developing Countries

    CBI INFLATION

    CBI Pearson Correlation 1 .414

    Sig. (2-tailed) .489

    N 5 5

    INFLATION Pearson Correlation .414 1

    Sig. (2-tailed) .489

    N 5 5

    Figure 3.3

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    Figure3.4

    Canada and Botswana have similar CBI at 0.45 but the inflation rate stands at 2.78 and 8.34 percent

    respectively. This leads to the question why are their inflation levels different? and yet they have similar

    CBI. Other issues might have led to higher inflation rate in the case of Botswana. In light of the above it

    is imperative to investigate what other factors that might have led to a higher inflation.

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    Cukierman (1992) and and web(1995) developed two proxies of independence. The rate of turnover of

    central bank governor and political vulnerability index ( VUL) . TOR is inversely related to of average

    tenure of central bank governor in years. In countries with a single board structure such as France,

    Canada , Portugal and Bulgaria the president determines the rate of TOR

    =1

    The logic behind TOR is that he more a central bank governor is in the office is able to defend

    him herself from the broad caster or the government. On the other hand VUL in some countries

    like Spain the term of central bank governor is in tandem with the political changes. For instance

    the moment the one government ceases to be in power then the contract automatically expires

    and a new governor is selected.

    4. CASE STUDY

    4.1 Central bank independence and corruption

    4.1.1 Case study of Euro-member Countries

    For many decades now, there has been a wide acceptance of corruption as a fact of life that is

    inevitable which helps remove government rigidities and greases the mechanisms of the

    otherwise rigid government. However, there has never been any doubt that corruption a serious

    hindrance to economic growth and development.

    In the recent years, corruption has been identified as a major international problem which

    undermines economic, social and political development. Corruption, as observed by North

    (1990), tends to hinder economic growth. It creates uncertainties that are disadvantageous to the

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    economic process. Mauro (1995). Generally, corruption affects the macro-economic performance

    of any country.

    Empirical research on corruption can be grouped into two categories. The first category has its

    focus on what causes corruption and the determinants of corruption. Scholars have observed that

    the main causes of corruption ranges from lack of competition, political systems, distortions in

    policies and the level of public transparency. The second category deals with the measures that

    can be taken to combat corruption in any one given economy. The Central bank independence is

    one of the major instruments that can be used to combat corruption and its effects. The central

    bank independence has been increased in various countries to enhance transparency in monetary

    policy-making which in turn facilitates accountability. In this way, corruption is reduced to a

    great extent. CBI also plays a vital role in reducing money laundering, which forms the highest

    type of super corruption that exists. (Cf. Winkler, 2000).

    In the recent past, CBI has been discussed as a major issue in talks on improvement of the

    economic performance through institutional reforms. Studies have suggested that when CBI is

    coupled with an objective to stabilize the prices, there is a general improvement in economic

    performance, increase in real growth and lower budget deficits. Perhaps it is for this reason that

    the European Union has put CBI as a pre-condition for membership in the Economic and

    Monetary Union.

    The table below shows the Corruption Perception Indexes (CPI) in the Euro states for the periods

    1998 and 1999 as reported by transparency international. The table shows that the member states

    tend to hold their positions although there are some particular minor changes. The average CPI is

    higher in 1999 showing an improvement in the perception of corruption in these countries.

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    Table 1. The 1998-1999 CPI for members of the Euro-Area.

    Country 1998 CPI Score 1999 CPI Score

    Austria 7.5 7.6

    Belgium 5.4 5.3Finland 9.6 9.8

    France 6.7 6.6

    Germany 7.9 8

    Ireland 8.2 7.7

    Italy 4.6 4.7

    Luxembourg 8.7 8.8

    Netherlands 9 9

    Portugal 6.5 6.7

    Spain 6.1 6.6

    Average 7.29 7.34

    Source: Transparency international

    NB: the data range from 10 (highly clean) to 0 (highly corrupt).

    Comparing data for the Euro-member countries that enjoy a high CBI with non-member

    countries with lower CBI indicates higher CPI in the former than in the latter.

    4.1.2 Empirical evidence from Developing Countries

    The developing countries are the worst affected by corruption. A sample of developing countries

    done in 1995 shows that corruption is associated mainly with lower central bank independence.

    Developing countries in most cases have lower degree of central bank independence. This

    increases the degree of corruption in these countries.

    In this section an empirical analysis of the association between central bank independence and

    corruption is carried out with the use of data that is available for a sample of 18 developing

    countries in 1995. The central bank independence index used is the Cukiermans actual index 22

    and corruption indexes used were reported by the transparency international.

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    Table 2. Below shows the CBI and corruption: cross-section weighted least squares, estimated

    regression results, 1995 (dependent variable: Corruption)

    Note: (*), (**) and (***) denote, respectively, significance at the 1%, 5% and 10% levels. The

    numbers in Parenthesis are hetroscedasticity-consistent t-statistics using different weighting

    Models with different weighting series(1) (2) (3)

    Constant 3.05*

    (11.12)

    4.03*

    (4.21)

    4.33*

    (4.19)

    Central Bank

    Independence index

    0.337*

    (12.01)

    0.294***

    (1.77)

    0.657**

    (2.17)

    Inflation -0.0033*

    (-23.66)

    -0.0044**

    (-2.77)

    -0.0115**

    (-2.32)

    No. of observations 18 18 18

    Adjusted R-squared 0.999 0.772 0.790

    F-test 10781.7 29.7 33

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    series. The weightings series in models (1), (2) and (3) are Inflation, CBI and CPI respectively. A

    high score of CPI indicates a low corruption level in all models. A high level of CBI indicates a

    high level of independence. Model (1), which has a high adjusted R-squared may be preferred to

    the rest.

    In conclusion, the CBI has been displayed by this paper as a kind of macro-economic reform that

    can be significantly used to alleviate the effects of corruption particularly in developing countries

    which bears the worst consequences. It is clear from the sample of developing countries 1995

    that corruption is associated with lower CBI and thus countries with lower CBI have very highlevels of corruption. This observation is not conclusive though. However, other factors held

    constant, reforms aimed at increasing the independence of the central bank, will tend to

    significantly reduce corruption. (Samimi Ahmad J.2001)

    Appendix 1

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    Country Name CBI( 2000) Inflation

    Albania 0.51 0.039

    Argentina 0.74 -0.939

    Armenia 0.85 -0.791

    Australia 0.36 4.475

    Austria 0.88 1.959

    Belgium 0.89 2.678

    Bulgaria 0.55 10.317

    Belarus 0.73 168.601

    Bolivia 0.63 4.602

    Brazil 0.21 7.056

    Barbados 0.38 2.436

    Botswana 0.45 8.534

    Canada 0.45 2.738

    Switzerland 0.64 1.559

    Chile 0.77 3.843

    China 0.29 0.4

    Colombia 0.44 9.221

    Costa Rica 0.61 10.961

    Czech Republic 0.73 3.801

    Germany 0.92 1.4

    Denmark 0.5 3.137

    Spain 0.86 3.484

    Estonia 0.78 4.011

    Ethiopia 0.44 6.159

    France 0.78 1.827

    United Kingdom 0.47 0.867

    Georgia 0.73 4.04

    Ghana 0.48 25.151

    Greece 0.89 2.898

    Honduras 0.55 11.016

    Croatia 0.44 4.629

    Hungary 0.67 9.799

    Indonesia 0.8 3.773

    India 0.34 4.009

    Ireland 0.84 5.254

    Iceland 0.34 5.011

    Israel 0.7 1.139

    Italy 0.92 2.575

    Japan 0.47 -0.777

    Kazakhstan 0.44 13.33

    Kenya 0.5 9.955

    Kyrgyz Republic 0.52 18.71

    Lebanon 0.4 -0.356

    Lithuania 0.78 1.081

    Luxembourg 0.9 3.151

    Latvia 0.49 2.637

    Morocco 0.14 1.923

    Moldova 0.73 31.206

    Mexico 0.56 9.492

    Malta 0.38 3.04

    Mongolia 0.55 11.583

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