Social capital and corruption during times of crises: a look at Turkish firms in economic crisis of 2001

This contribution investigates whether lack of trust among business people towards the business community, as well as towards the general public, is conducive to more corruption in Turkey. Based on a survey study conducted in 2001, we establish a link between trust and corruption. Accepting the claim that corruption plays a role in the emergence and persistence of economic--and political--crises, we suggest that the latest crises that hit Turkey should also be approached from a trust-based perspective.