Defining Corruption

The author discusses the various problems occurring in attempting to define corruption. These problems include the important differences present in the way corruption is defined in the official laws of nations; the various ways in which corruption affects the public; and how it is defined by public opinion. Additionally, the existence of differences among nations appear as another difficulty faced in defining corruption. The author then delves into a discussion of the various definitions present for corruption and discuss their shortcomings. These are legal definitions, public interest definitions and public opinion definitions. The author then discusses reasons for the variation of definitions among nations that include the presence of different legal standards, corruption’s effect on public interest, and variations in public opinion about corruption issues. Finally, the author notes that the existence of various definitions of corruption affects the work of enforcement agencies.