Corruption can take any form, it's a misuse of entrusted power for private gain. It is disposed of in different activities perpetrated by those accountable.

It corrupts trust, wastes resources, undermines the concept of justice and democracy, impedes the development of any kind and aggravates inequality, fosters poverty, and widens the gap between the rich and the poor. Instances of corruption include; Public servants ie in hospitals or schools taking endorsements or bribes in exchange for services that they are already paid for.

Those in power like government bureaucrats and politicians misuse state resources and power in their hands for private gains and favors to friends or relatives. Securing jobs, sponsorships, or tenders an illegal way at the cost of deserving individuals.

The only way out of corruption is transparency and accountability and until we establish a system that can ensure transparency and accountability then corruption will still be with us for the next visible feature.

TAKEAWAYS

1. Corruption can happen to anyone. It's not restricted to political positions or government leaders. Even at your workplace or school. Illegal and unfair accession of resources and favors of any kind is corruption. A student obtaining a position at a prestigious school because their parents paid the principal is a form of corruption.

2. Takes place anywhere, it's not confined to offices or behind the scenes. The courts, media, health, and public service engage in acts of corruption as well. Any unjust act is an act of corruption.

3. It happens behind the scenes, most people engage in corruption in the shadows. Every profession can engage in acts of corruption. Accountants, companies, businesses, and even legal firms all work to hide the acts of corruption and acquisition of unlawful wealth.

4. Corruption evolves. Corruption is not left out in the circuit of change. It's acclimating to technological refinements and a changing environment.

5. Corruption takes any reform. It is not restricted to money or financial benefits, exchange of information, properties every system in opportunities, nepotism or racism are cats of Corruption.

TYPES OF CORRUPTION

Bribery- It's giving or receiving any item of value to influence and change the actions of others in your favor. Bribery can include soliciting and offering money, favors, opportunities gifts, which otherwise would not give. For example free services of any kind for a big discount on an item.

Bribery is illegal and unscrupulous and is a criminal infraction. United Nations' sustainable development goal 16 has a target to sustainably reduce corruption and bribery of all forms as part of an international effort aimed at ensuring peace, justice, and strong institutions.

Embezzlement- This is an act of withholding assets involving one or more parties to whom it was entrusted, for their gains. Mostly referred to by most people as theft of money maybe from organizations or employees ie accountants. It's a well-layered thought of a plan of action executed accordingly behind the concerned' backs. It can include the alteration of documents or records to conceal the act.

An example of embezzlement in a high-level scheme is the Madoff investment scandal where it is alleged that 65 million Dollars was siphoned over from gullible investors and financial institutions.

Extortion- It's a criminal offense in most jurisdictions and involves threats with adverse consequences if not done. The threats may involve physical harm or harm to the family. Extortion may come as a refusal to give or receive services unless they get what they want.

Nepotism- This is any advantage shown to people because of blood ties. Privileges and opportunities are given to family members in businesses, academia, jobs, etc. An example is giving prestigious positions to members of your family at the expense of everyone else qualified. It leads to monopolization of power because decisions made will ultimately favor those of close relations.

According to a 2017 survey study, the following factors have been attributed as causes of corruption.

Greed and selfish desires for money and power, poor levels of democracy, lacking political transparency and accountability, slacking media and press activity, political instability, low levels of literacy in the population, and large ethnic divisions that naturally cause favoritism among other social economic injustices.

R. Klitgaard argues that corruption will occur if the corruption gain is greater than the penalty multiplied by the likelihood of being caught and prosecuted. Corruption and crime are endemic sociological occurrences that appear with regular frequency virtually all around the world, especially in aristocracies, Mafia states, oligarchies, and narco states. In many instances of corruption, overlap occurs ie bribery and fraud can be committed simultaneously.