At its simplest level, Transparency International defines corruption as . It is not just about money; it is about the subversion of rules and ethics to benefit a specific individual or group at the expense of the public.
When decisions are made behind closed doors, accountability vanishes.
The tangible or intangible reward received for the corrupt act. 3. Why It Happens: Root Causes
The leverage used to bypass standard operating procedures.
Inadequate laws or a lack of enforcement means that the "cost" of being caught is lower than the potential "gain" from the crime.