August 26th, 2009 Corruption Defined
The organization of Transparency International has settled on a definition of corruption that is simple, focused and clear. Corruption is any act taken for one’s private or personal gain, in which one has misused power to the detriment of others. There are two aspects to the definition. One is corruption that is according to the rule. In this case it applies to such actions as paying a bribe to another party in order to facilitate treatment that is preferential, for actions that are required by the law.
The other aspect is called corruption that goes against the rule. This would involve a bribe that would result in services that are not legal according to the law. The policy of transparency and the way in which it relates to anti-corruption endeavors is that everyone whom is affected by the actions of the government, be it in business transactions, decisions made on the administrative level or any work regarding to charitable foundations, must be aware of the figures, the facts and the processes.
This holds those in civil service positions to act predictably, in clear vision of the public for which they serve and those with whom they do business. Transparency International, founded in 1993, acknowledges the fact that during the last decade they, and other agencies have been quite successful in the fight against corruption, but that there are still many challenges to overcome. The founding principles of TI have been that they are a non-confrontational organization that works towards the building of coalitions, and proceeding with their actions one step at a time.
These principles remain to be the backbone of the work in which they take part. The only way to combat corruption is through the combined efforts of the civilians, the businesses and the government. All aspects of a society must come together and work with an agreed upon set of procedures and standards. The one step at a time concept deals with the idea that one massive sweep can not knock it out, but that it takes the concerted and patient effort of a process that is taking step by step.
Related posts:
- Private Businesses and Their Role in the Anti-Corruption Fight
- Regulatory Compliance and the United Nations