CORRUPTION
corruption
Corruption
Defining corruption can be a challenge. It takes many forms, and perpetrators are
skilled in developing new ways to be corrupt and cover their tracks. Corruption
may be defined as the abuse of entrusted power for private gain. Transparency
International uses this definition. It captures three elements of corruption:
1. Public and private sectors - Corruption occurs in both the public and private
sectors. This includes media and civil society actors. Actors can be individuals,
companies, or organisations such as a political parties.
2. Abuse of power - Corruption involves abusing power held in a state institution
or a private organisation.
3. Benefit - Both sides involved in the corrupt act benefit, either in terms of
money or undue advantage.
Quotes on Corruption -
“We need to tell each other our stories. We need to show that everyone — our
neighbors, our families, our community leaders — everyone we know is
touched by corruption.” — Jennifer Lawrence, actress.
“Integrity, transparency and the fight against corruption have to be part of the
culture. They have to be taught as fundamental values.” — Angel Gurría, OECD
secretary general.
“People’s indifference is the best breeding ground for corruption to grow” — Delia Ferreira,
chair of Transparency International.
“Corruption is paid by the poor” — Pope Francis.
“ Corruption is a cancer, a cancer that eats away at a citizen’s faith in democracy, diminishes
the instinct for innovation and creativity.” — Joe Biden, former vice president of the United
States.
Corruption and hypocrisy ought not to be inevitable products of democracy, as they undoubtedly
are today - Gandhiji
, Costs of corruption
Economical costs of corruption -
* Officials in public institutions force citizens to pay for services that should be free.
* Corrupt politicians pillage state budgets.
* Decision makers distort public spending as they focus on activities that yield large
bribes, such as major public works.
* International companies avoid highly corrupt environments – economic development
is slower than it would be with more foreign investment.
Political costs of corruption - Dishonest bureaucracy, lack of transparency, Blow to
Free & Fair Elections in a Democracy
Cost of corruption to society -
Human lives - When people cannot get access to healthcare, safe places to live and clean
water, their lives are at risk. When buildings collapse because developers have bribed
their way out of adhering to health and safety standards, the lives of occupants are at
risk, too.
Trust - Corruption has more than just financial costs. It reduces public trust and
citizens’ willingness to participate in society. For example, citizens who perceive
politicians as corrupt may not bother to vote in elections, get engaged in politics, or
pay taxes.
Human rights - Human rights are violated as a result of corruption. For example,
courts violate the fundamental right of access to justice when they only hear cases if
parties bribe staff and judges .
Inequality - Corruption perpetuates inequality. Data shows that poor people suffer
disproportionately from corruption. In modest income households, petty bribes to a
nurse can cut deep into a family’s disposable income.
Gender - Women sometimes bear worse consequences of corruption than men. For
example, since women attend to family health issues more frequently, they receive
corruption
Corruption
Defining corruption can be a challenge. It takes many forms, and perpetrators are
skilled in developing new ways to be corrupt and cover their tracks. Corruption
may be defined as the abuse of entrusted power for private gain. Transparency
International uses this definition. It captures three elements of corruption:
1. Public and private sectors - Corruption occurs in both the public and private
sectors. This includes media and civil society actors. Actors can be individuals,
companies, or organisations such as a political parties.
2. Abuse of power - Corruption involves abusing power held in a state institution
or a private organisation.
3. Benefit - Both sides involved in the corrupt act benefit, either in terms of
money or undue advantage.
Quotes on Corruption -
“We need to tell each other our stories. We need to show that everyone — our
neighbors, our families, our community leaders — everyone we know is
touched by corruption.” — Jennifer Lawrence, actress.
“Integrity, transparency and the fight against corruption have to be part of the
culture. They have to be taught as fundamental values.” — Angel Gurría, OECD
secretary general.
“People’s indifference is the best breeding ground for corruption to grow” — Delia Ferreira,
chair of Transparency International.
“Corruption is paid by the poor” — Pope Francis.
“ Corruption is a cancer, a cancer that eats away at a citizen’s faith in democracy, diminishes
the instinct for innovation and creativity.” — Joe Biden, former vice president of the United
States.
Corruption and hypocrisy ought not to be inevitable products of democracy, as they undoubtedly
are today - Gandhiji
, Costs of corruption
Economical costs of corruption -
* Officials in public institutions force citizens to pay for services that should be free.
* Corrupt politicians pillage state budgets.
* Decision makers distort public spending as they focus on activities that yield large
bribes, such as major public works.
* International companies avoid highly corrupt environments – economic development
is slower than it would be with more foreign investment.
Political costs of corruption - Dishonest bureaucracy, lack of transparency, Blow to
Free & Fair Elections in a Democracy
Cost of corruption to society -
Human lives - When people cannot get access to healthcare, safe places to live and clean
water, their lives are at risk. When buildings collapse because developers have bribed
their way out of adhering to health and safety standards, the lives of occupants are at
risk, too.
Trust - Corruption has more than just financial costs. It reduces public trust and
citizens’ willingness to participate in society. For example, citizens who perceive
politicians as corrupt may not bother to vote in elections, get engaged in politics, or
pay taxes.
Human rights - Human rights are violated as a result of corruption. For example,
courts violate the fundamental right of access to justice when they only hear cases if
parties bribe staff and judges .
Inequality - Corruption perpetuates inequality. Data shows that poor people suffer
disproportionately from corruption. In modest income households, petty bribes to a
nurse can cut deep into a family’s disposable income.
Gender - Women sometimes bear worse consequences of corruption than men. For
example, since women attend to family health issues more frequently, they receive
