An economic-genetic theory of corporate corruption across cultures: An interactive effect of wealth and the 5HTTLPR-SS/SL frequency on corporate corruption mediated by cultural endorsement of self-protective leadership

Corruption research largely rests on institutional and economic theories. Biological, psychological, and anthropological theories and research can provide unique insights on corporate corruption. Following the emerging perspective of gene-environment interaction in cross-cultural research, the current research presents an economic-genetic theory of corporate corruption across cultures. By examining 30 societies, I found a positive interactive effect of wealth and the 5HTTLPR-SS/SL frequency on corporate corruption mediated by cultural endorsement of self-protective leadership (CESPL). Additionally, the 5HTTLPR-SS/SL frequency moderated the positive effect of CESPL on corporate corruption and CESPL mediated the wealth effect on corporate corruption in societies with low 5HTTLPR-SS/SL frequencies. These findings shed novel light on research on corporate corruption and cross-cultural leadership.