Abstract

The paper analyzes the problem of the ability to «measure corruption», starting from the widespread criticism of the «perception indicators», and then to an «impressionistic» understanding of the phenomenon. After analyzing the various available indicators, both of subjective and objective type, the work reflects on the types of indicators that are better able to interact with the anti-corruption policies, helping preventing corruption. In this perspective, rather than indicators of corruption, we feel the need of indicators of abnormality and risk, able to «alert» the system with respect to dangerous situations, even potential («red-flags»). No less important, in view of the reduction of administrative corruption, «contrast» indicators, capable of showing the implementation of the various preventive measures and their effectiveness. The work then reflect, on the whole, on the available indicators, the main experiences, and possible lines of development.