explaining the quality of the business environment is
significant, with a R2 of 0.4889 (See Table VI). The
combination of variables predicts 50% of the variance
concerning the quality of the business environment.
In support of Hypothesis 1 concerning competitive
isomorphism, the path coefficient between the
intensity of competition and the level of corruption
was positive and significant (b = 0.27, p < .05). The
relationship between the quality of the business
environment and the level of corruption was negative
and significant (b = )0.24, p < .05), lending
support to Hypothesis 2. Therefore, we support the
coercive isomorphism hypothesis. Furthermore, the
relationship between the level of unfair behavior by
competitors in the financial service industry and the
level of corruption was positive and significant
(b = 0.22, p < .05). Our data supports Hypothesis 3
concerning mimetic isomorphism. We also accept
the H4 hypothesis concerning the link between the
politicization of the economic activity and the level
of corruption (b = )0.16, p