Korrupsion

Korrupsion refers to the abuse of entrusted power for private gain, occurring in both public institutions and private organizations. It typically involves actions that distort decision making to benefit the individual or a narrow group rather than the public interest. Common forms include bribery, embezzlement, nepotism, patronage, kickbacks, fraud, and influence peddling, as well as procurement manipulation and falsification of records.

Forms and variants include petty corruption at everyday transactions and grand corruption at high levels of government or large corporations. State capture can occur when powerful interests influence policy and regulation to their advantage. In procurement, opaque bidding and inflated contracts are used to channel funds to insiders.

Causes include weak institutions and limited accountability, low public sector salaries, political patronage, and gaps in transparency and oversight. Cultural norms, improper incentive structures, and large public budgets can create opportunities for misuse. Economic and institutional volatility can also amplify risks of korrupsion, especially where checks and balances are weak.

Effects are broad and harmful: they reduce public trust and undermine political legitimacy, raise the cost of goods and services, divert resources from public goods, and hinder investment and growth. Korruption tends to disproportionately affect the poor and can entrench inequality by protecting the interests of a few.

Measurement and responses rely on indices such as Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index and governance indicators. Effective strategies include transparency and accountability mechanisms, independent audits, anti-corruption agencies, conflict-of-interest rules, asset disclosure, whistleblower protection, and reforms in public procurement and e-governance. International cooperation supports enforcement and standard-setting across borders.