Out of the box Levels of corruption

There are different levels of corruption that are commonly observed in various contexts. Here's a breakdown of each level:

1. Contract-related commissions or bribes: This occurs when a person in authority who is responsible for awarding contracts asks for a commission or bribe in exchange for awarding the contract to a particular individual or company. The amount of the commission or bribe is often tied to the value of the contract.

2. Nepotism or favoritism: In this case, the person in authority appoints a family member or friend to a position of authority or influence based on personal relationships rather than considering their qualifications, skills, or merit. This practice undermines the principles of fair competition and equal opportunity.

3. Awarding contracts to family or friends: Here, the person in authority deliberately awards contracts to their family members or friends without a fair and transparent competitive process. This is a form of favoritism and can lead to inefficient allocation of resources, unfair competition, and limited opportunities for others.

4. Accepting gifts in kind: This involves the person in authority accepting valuable gifts or benefits, such as fully paid overseas trips, from potential or successful vendors. By accepting such gifts, the person in authority may be influenced to make decisions in favor of those vendors, compromising their impartiality and the integrity of the process.

5. Accepting invitations to paid meals: This refers to situations where the person in authority accepts invitations to dinners or lunches paid for by potential or successful vendors. While it may seem less severe than other forms of corruption, accepting such invitations can create obligations and biases that may impact fair decision-making.

These different levels of corruption can occur in various settings, such as government institutions, private organizations, or international bodies. They undermine transparency, fairness, and trust, and can have significant negative consequences for economies, public services, and societal well-being. Efforts to combat corruption typically involve strengthening anti-corruption laws, promoting transparency and accountability, and fostering a culture of integrity and ethical behavior.

Tan Kin Lian
 

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