This paper explores the causal relationship between irresponsible behavior and corruption in Tunisia in the time of COVID-19. In our modeling approach, the abuse of power is used as a proxy for corruption, while lockdown breaches are used as a proxy for irresponsible behavior. Based on the vector error-correction model, the Granger causality test is performed to identify the direction of the causal relationship. An empirical study involving the use of real data from the National Anticorruption Authority is conducted. The results reveal the existence of a unidirectional Granger causal relationship running from lockdown breaches to the abuse of power. These findings imply that the irresponsible behavior of Tunisians may constitute in itself a factor that can exacerbate their exposure to corruption in periods of crisis, especially in the absence of well-established corporate social responsibility. The implications of our findings for public policy are also discussed.

中文翻译：

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COVID-19 时期腐败与不负责任行为之间的因果关系：来自突尼斯的证据


本文探讨了 COVID-19 时期突尼斯不负责任的行为与腐败之间的因果关系。在我们的建模方法中，滥用权力被用作腐败的代表，而违反封锁被用作不负责任行为的代表。基于向量误差校正模型，进行格兰杰因果关系检验，以确定因果关系的方向。进行了一项实证研究，涉及使用国家反腐败局的真实数据。结果揭示了从违反封锁到滥用权力之间存在单向格兰杰因果关系。这些调查结果表明，突尼斯人的不负责任行为本身可能就是在危机时期加剧腐败风险的一个因素，特别是在缺乏完善的企业社会责任的情况下。还讨论了我们的研究结果对公共政策的影响。