Home > A closer look at Corruption

The Concise Oxford Dictionary defines corruption as the 'use of corrupt practices, esp. bribery or fraud.' Obviously, this use refers to illegality. Another defintion sees corruption as 'moral deterioration' and defines its use as a verb to 'infect or taint.'

We've picked this subject to take a closer a look at because of the publicity it received at the recent G8 conference. When the topic of aid to Africa was raised in the media, the word corruption was often played along side - appearing to be used as a counter argument the sub-text of which read as 'there's no point giving too much because it will all be salted away by corrupt officials anyway....'

Consequently, the G8 committed themselves to targeting aid that saved lives, rather than modernising African economies and their infrastructure. However, giving them the benefit of the doubt, maybe the G8 will tackle the latter in 5-10 years time, once the former is acheived - who knows?

But is corruption the sole preserve of African nations, or does the west also have a case to answer for? Corporate corruption in the US and the subsequent attempts to tighten up practices is an ongoing theme. The most high profile cases of financial and accounting corruption being Worldcom and Enron in the early 2000's. A lot of innocent investors lost heavily in both companies as their shares tumbled - but the nature of investing means it is seen as a risk, shares can rise or fall - even if due to corruption.

Has corporate corruption been subsequently used as a reason not to invest in Wall Street? Investors were upset, but they are still there, so no. Yet corruption was the argument used for not investing in Africa.

Further, the use of the offshore banking industry as a way to avoid paying tax probably also represents a moral deterioration, because it is inherently anti-social behavior. Although not illegal, individuals and Companies who seek to avoid taxation through offshore banking morally fail to take responsibility for their actions - they want to keep all their gains for themselves and not share it with the community.

And following the same example, the G8 felt able to turn the other way to Africa and say in effect we will not share our riches with you.

So who's the most corrupt?

© Ethical Earth 21st July 2005

 

 

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