Definition
Corruption is a multifaceted and evolving phenomenon that involves different types of actors, behaviors, and activities. The concept is broad and there is no consensus on a standard and exhaustive definition. The complexity of corruption cannot be dealt with unidimensional and general definitions but only with a multidisciplinary approach. This is true not only when discussing the conceptualization and definition of corruption but especially when dealing with its measurement and policing.
Nonetheless, the most widely adopted definition of corruption is the one developed by Transparency International (2013): “the abuse of entrusted power for private gain.” Even if widely criticized, this definition has the advantage of being synthetic while covering a broad range of corrupt activities. It applies to public sector corruption involving public officials, civil servants, or politicians, and concerning also private actors while interacting with the public sphere. It also covers...
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Further Reading
Heywood, P. M., & Rose, J. (2014). Close but no cigar: The measurement of corruption. Journal of Public Policy, 34, 507–529.
Rose, J. (2018). The meaning of corruption: Testing the coherence and adequacy of corruption definitions. Public Integrity, 20, 220–233.
Rose-Ackerman, S., Luce, H. R., & Søreide, T. (2013). International handbook on the economics of corruption, volume two. Cheltenham, UK: Edward Elgar.
Treisman, D. (2000). The causes of corruption: A cross-national study. Journal of Public Economics, 76(3), 399–457. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0047-2727(99)00092-4.
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Mugellini, G. (2022). Corruption. In: Harris, P., Bitonti, A., Fleisher, C.S., Binderkrantz, A.S. (eds) The Palgrave Encyclopedia of Interest Groups, Lobbying and Public Affairs. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-44556-0_75
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