以往研究發現文化是影響貪污的重要因素，一直以來都沒有進行細緻的探討與研究，形成理論上的缺口。尤其華人世界的關係文化，被視為是干擾公務員權力合理分配的重要因素，形成「有關係就沒關係，沒關係就有關係」的文化現象。透過文獻梳理，本文發現華人文化圈之中，「親親之差，尊賢之等」不僅是行事規則，而且是種社會的道德規範，使得運用公權力照顧自己人變得理所當然，換言之，傳統關係文化提供了對自己人循私的基礎，致使公務員將公器轉為私用獲得合理化的藉口。

Previous research has revealed that culture is a crucial factor associated with corruption. However, no studies have comprehensively examined the culture–corruption relationship, and no theoretical explanations for such relationship have been provided. In Chinese communities, the part of culture that emphasizes connections and relationships is considered a critical factor that interferes with the rational allocation of power among civil services and creates the following cultural phenomenon: “Connections smooth the way, and having no connections creates difficulties.” The cultural norm, “Treat others according to their kinship and capabilities,” is not only a behavioral rule but also an ethical regulation, dictating that people must care for those who are related to them. In other words, traditional culture, with its emphasis on connections and relationships, is the reason and excuse for people to specifically care for only those who are related to them and to use public resources for personal purposes.