What
is Corruption?
TI defines corruption as "the misuse of entrusted power for private gain". It
is a global problem which can take many forms in state, corporate
and non-profit sectors. Whatever its guise, corrupt behaviour is
always determined by ulterior motives, with no concern for the consequences
for the wider community.
The TI Source Book, offers some perspectives on corruption. To download Chapter 1, which looks at definitions click
here. You
can download or read the Source Book online here.
The U4 Anti-Corruption Resource Centre offers a glossary explaining different types of corruption. U4 has been developed in association with TI.
Causes of Corruption
There are numerous and overlapping reasons why power is abused for private gain. Corruption is normally attributed to human nature but as human nature is the same the world over, we have to look at the conditions that create the opportunities and incentives for corruption. These can be social, economic or political (or usually a combination of all three) - what is clear however, is that corruption is not confined to the world's poorest countries - it just hurts the poor the most.
Corruption is, to a greater or lesser degree, a feature of political and business life in every country. TI's approach to tackling corruption is therefore to build strategies that address the economic, commercial and political opportunities for corrupt behaviour.
For an outline of the causes of and solutions to corruption browse The TI Source Book, or visit the U4 - Utstein Ant-Corruption Resource Centre.
The Costs
of Corruption
Corruption...
- Weakens democratic institutions. Political costs manifest themselves above all in loss of legitimacy, and of public trust and support.
- Leads to competitive bribery, instead of fair competition based on price, quality and innovation. This harms trade and investment.
- Threatens the environment. When environmental protection agencies are corrupt, the very foundations of human development are eroded.
- Fosters human rights abuse. As corruption increases, regimes become more secretive, and basic social and economic rights are threatened.
Further information on the costs of corruption can again be found at the U4 Resource Centre. |
