Governance, Corruption, and Public Integrity: a Comparative Analysis of Indicators

Objective: The study analyzes indicators used to measure corruption and public integrity in Brazil and worldwide, highlighting challenges and advances in public governance. It is based on the premise that corruption undermines social trust and institutional credibility. Theoretical Framework: It is based on theories about governance, accountability and public ethics, highlighting studies that associate corruption with institutional fragility and limited effectiveness of controls. Research by Yeboah-Assiamah, Mungiu-Pippidi and Tsao emphasizes the importance of solid structures and social participation. Method: A mixed approach was used, with qualitative and quantitative analysis. Secondary data from Transparency International, OECD, ERCAS, CGU and TCU were examined. The research compared perception indicators and objective evidence, organizing them into categories to identify convergences and gaps. Results and Discussion: It was observed that, despite advances in administrative transparency and electronic citizenship, challenges persist in judicial independence, lobbying regulation and public consultation. Indicators such as IPC and IPI expose discrepancies between standards and implementation capacity, reflecting weaknesses in the consolidation of integrity. Research Implications: The results reinforce the need for anti-corruption policies aligned with robust governance models, integrating legal systems, social participation and technologies. Originality/Value: The study highlights how the diversity of indicators broadens the understanding of integrity, but can confuse managers, pointing to the urgency of clear metrics, adapted to the Brazilian context, that strengthen the fight against corruption and improve state efficiency.