Corruption, Causes and Consequences

The author traces corruption to as early as antiquity, and argues that it has thus been occurring in societies for a long while. The increased attention granted to corruption in the recent period include researchers’ examining of its negative impact, and particularly following the year 1995 when countries and international organizations became more aware of the issues and made it a priority. The article then identifies key common driving forces of corruption which include the political and economic environment as well as customs and demography, and delves into a discussion of the impact of corruption on various fronts including the economy; public expenditure and on businesses. The author discusses corruption as a multidirectional process where both the provider and recipient benefit, and where the victims are ‘everyone’ else, and argues that a link exists between corruption and its negative effects, but that it is not possible to determine the exact causes and consequences.