Learning Objectives
What is corruption and where can it be seen?

After studying this unit, you should be able to:

• Define both public and private corruption;

• List and describe the various classifications for corruption;

• List and explain the situations in which corruption occurs;

• Describe the difference between grand and petty corruption;

• Describe some examples of the costs of corruption.

Introduction

Everyone has an idea that corruption exists but they may not always be able to recognize it when they see it or share the same idea about what it is. Defining corruption and all of its components is important so that people understand why it is bad, how to avoid it, and how to develop rules and regulations to hinder its progress.

This unit attempts to provide an in depth definition of corruption by explaining how it manifests in the public and private domains in both administrative and political situations. This unit also explains what classifies corruption and describes the scope in which it occurs. Finally, this unit looks at the costs of corruption. Corruption creates an environment in which poverty will grow by disturbing the balance in the economic playing field. It impacts social and cultural norms, can cause environmental degradation, can detract resources from private sector development, and can harm relations with international aid agencies that might have otherwise provided seamless development assistance.