Download the most recent NIS country study terms of reference and questionnaire guidelines (in English) below:

• Terms of Reference
• Questionnaire Guidelines

Approach: The NIS country study terms of reference and questionnaires have been developed and maintained by Transparency International in co-operation with key research partners. Implementation and quality control of the country studies and the country study methodology have been shared by the TI Secretariat, TI national chapters, authors, and lead consultants, assisted by numerous external experts.

Country Studies are concerned with structures and systems and how they work in practice. Within each study, an exploration of the formal framework is followed by an assessment of what actually happens, highlighting deficiencies in the formal framework itself, or in its implementation. For example, the rules and procedures designed to reduce opportunities for nepotism and cronyism or other corrupt relationships may exist, but are not always applied. The studies therefore reflect both the formal 'legal' position and what actually happens in practice. This 'theory and practice' approach is a key aspect of the NIS country study methodology.

In examining the elements of the National Integrity System, the study addresses issues relevant to most of the NIS, such as rules on conflict of interest, post-employment restrictions, access to information, free speech, provisions for whistleblowing, and the like.

NIS country studies do not investigate or expose specific cases not yet in the public domain, and therefore they subscribe to TI's policy of 'not naming names'.

Authorship: In many cases, NIS country studies have been conducted by TI national chapters. Other authors are generally independent in-country researchers. In the case of an NIS series (such as the Global Forum II, Commonwealth and NISPAC rounds), the selection of authors has been carried out by the lead consultant, in consultation with TI national chapters.

The preparation of the NIS country studies requires both desk and field research. As part of the field research, most country study authors conduct interviews and lead focus group discussions with knowledgeable individuals (e.g. public officials, civil society representatives such as journalists, entrepreneurs, donor representatives, lawyers etc.). Whenever possible, those consulted in the course of research are listed at the beginning of the study. Assessment made through interviews and focus groups is also referenced in the study.

Format: NIS country studies consist of 1) a narrative section in the form of a report and 2) a questionnaire addressing the formal elements of the NIS and how they work in practice. The questionnaire is aimed to served as a factual guideline, as a supplement to the narrative report.

Content: Each NIS country study report includes an executive summary and a country overview.

In more recent country studies, this is followed by a corruption profile, assessing the nature and extent of corruption in that country.
The country study report then covers core laws, rules and practices that contribute to the strength of National Integrity Systems in the following areas pillars.

The report then addresses the anti-corruption activities in the country in the last 5-10 years, including the government's anti-corruption strategy (where such a strategy exists); provides a review of the anti-corruption activities of donors, including an evaluation of the coordination of these activities; and offers suggestions for future research and donor action, areas within the NIS that the study author believes are in greatest need of increased attention.

A final section of the report addresses the effectiveness of the NIS in that country, particularly the way the NIS pillars interact and the strength of the anti-corruption efforts undertaken in the country. Each report ends with a discussion of policy priorities and recommendations, based on the findings of the study.

The NIS country study questionnaire focuses on aspects of the anti-corruption pillars, listed above. It also includes a series of questions relating to the government anti-corruption strategy, donor anti-corruption efforts, and future research and donor support.