Corruption Essay

Corruption in the world is a vice that has grown in complexity. It has now become not only a factual issue, but also a legal issue. Swardt, (2009), stated that “the fight against corruption is central to the struggle for human rights. Corruption has always greased the wheels of the exploitation and injustice which characterize our world. From violent ethnic cleansing to institutionalized racism, political actors have abused their entrusted powers to focus on gains for the few at great cost for the many” (p.5). Along the same line, Svensson (2005) described corruption as “the misuse of public office for private gain. Misuse, of course, typically involves applying a legal standard. Corruption defined this way would capture, for example, the sale of government property by government officials, kickbacks in public procurement, bribery and embezzlement of government funds” (p.20). This can be partly attributed to the need to adequately address the ever-evolving formation of corruption and its grave consequences in major sectors of the economy, governance and even socio-cultural cohesiveness. Corruption, defined as the abuse of public power for private gain, is an ancient topic (Peyton & Belasen 2012). Individuals who practice corruption have vicious behaviors and deteriorated personal values or traits, generating severe and enduring toxic effects on other individuals, families, organizations and even entire societies they lead.
According to Agbiboa (2012), “in the Western world, corruption in all its manifestations is now regarded as an evil, an unethical set of activities that hinder economic and social development” (p.111). Increasing successful international strategies against corruption is easier said than done. Corruption enric...

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... goals and objectives. Combating corruption means pontificating and conquering the obstacles that stand against citizens’ right to equal rights participation and the accountability of public institutions.
Chapter Two focuses on the examination and analysis of various literature and sources organized around thematic areas that include the following: the causes of corruption, strategies to fight corruption and the weaknesses of such strategies. Finally, Chapter Three is the conclusion of the study, which makes some observations and provides some recommendations in the form of criticism of the shortcomings of existing strategies and the ever-evolving form of corruption. It also offers some recommendations for changes and improvement to leadership, and the legal, institutional, advocacy and educational strategies that would assist in curbing corruption.