Administrative corruption is a phenomenon that is widespread in various societies and sectors. It involves the improper use of public or private positions to achieve personal or collective interests through illegal and unethical means. Administrative corruption can be defined as the behavior exhibited by individuals who hold responsibilities in the government, companies, or any other institution. They aim to achieve personal gains for themselves or their close associates by exploiting the authority granted to them.
The various definitions of corruption indicate that it can take on multiple and diverse forms, but the common and most widespread notion describes corruption as the unlawful exploitation of power by an individual in a public position, with the aim of achieving personal or collective interests and obtaining illegitimate gains. This individual could be a politician or a government official, and corruption may involve receiving bribes, violating laws, manipulating financial operations, or abusing public resources. The aim of the United Nations Convention against Corruption is to enhance international efforts in combating administrative corruption. Administrative corruption is defined as engaging in activities that constitute improper performance of duties or the exploitation of position or authority. This includes actions that manipulate signatures to gain personal advantage or expose oneself to obtaining unlawful gains. This can be done through the receipt or pursuit of illegitimate benefits, either directly or indirectly, or by accepting benefits that are granted to either the individual or another person.
Administrative corruption causes a range of negative effects that spread throughout society, negatively impacting development and economic growth. One of these effects is the damage to the credibility of the state and its various institutions. When administrative and financial corruption spreads, the official system of operation is harmed, and the rules and regulations aimed at achieving the state's objectives fade away. This leads to a loss of trust in administrative agencies, diminishing reliance on them by citizens and those who interact with them. Additionally, the widening scope of corruption weakens administrative structures and the state's administrative system, ultimately resulting in the failure of the entire administrative system.
Another negative impact of administrative corruption is hindering the development process and weakening economic growth. The spread of corruption leads to the obstruction of development efforts and impedes progress in society. In the 1997 World Bank Development Report, it was emphasized that administrative and financial corruption is the biggest obstacle to development. Corruption is a behavior that harms stability and disrupts balance. Numerous studies indicate that administrative corruption has a negative effect on economic growth. For example, corruption results in reducing investment rates, consequently decreasing overall demand, leading to a decline in economic growth. Moreover, the bribery associated with administrative corruption is considered a form of taxation on businessmen, prompting them to reduce their investments in countries where corruption is prevalent.
Administrative corruption has always had a significant impact on political stability in society. When corruption spreads, political stability is jeopardized, income levels decrease, and conflicts escalate within the ruling elite. Corruption also leads to the deterioration of the situation on all fronts, including the corruption of administration, its expansion, and its influence. In this context, a class emerges that seeks to spread corruption to achieve its personal interests, causing the identity of the administrative apparatus to fade away, and corrupt systems dominate within it. Those benefiting from corruption work to spread it across as many government agencies and institutions as possible, supported by the lack of accountability and legal consequences.
Finally, administrative corruption negatively impacts the distribution of resources and social justice in society. When corruption undermines the economy, the disparity in the distribution of wealth and opportunities among individuals and communities increases. Resources and opportunities are redirected in favor of those with less capability and those involved in corruption, leading to an exacerbation of poverty and social inequality.
In this way, administrative corruption causes a weakening of political stability, a deterioration of public services, and an unfair distribution of resources in society. Therefore, corruption is considered a significant obstacle that hinders progress and negatively impacts all aspects of economic and social life.
There are concerted efforts, both locally and internationally, to combat the phenomenon of administrative and financial corruption. In the 1989 Paris Summit, industrialized countries decided to form a working group to take financial measures to combat and eliminate corruption. The group identified 40 measures to fight and eliminate corruption. By early 1996, international agreements related to anti-corruption efforts worked to strengthen political commitments against corruption. These agreements expanded the basic international standards and practices for addressing corruption, reducing its prevalence by enhancing the necessary transparency to combat it. It is well-known that administrative corruption thrives in an environment lacking transparency. Corruption benefits from ambiguity and lack of clarity, especially in the absence of accountability and effective oversight supported by systems and powers aimed at protecting public funds and holding those responsible for corruption accountable.
As countries and organizations are actively working on implementing robust legislation aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and combating corruption in various sectors, whether governmental or private. These laws include stringent measures to combat bribery and avoid conflicts of interest, as well as the promotion of effective mechanisms to uncover and punish those responsible for corruption.
In addition to legislation, several initiatives are implemented to enhance integrity and transparency in various sectors. These initiatives include the development of effective management systems, strengthening monitoring and oversight, and promoting the role of civil society and media in monitoring and documenting cases of corruption.
Educational and media efforts are intensifying to raise public awareness about the harms of corruption and its negative consequences on societies. Awareness campaigns are being implemented to promote values of honesty and ethics, and to enhance awareness of the importance of transparency and accountability in institutions and communities. Citizens are also encouraged to report cases of corruption and provide necessary support to witnesses and whistleblowers. Combating corruption requires continuous and multi-dimensional efforts, including strong legislation, comprehensive awareness, effective oversight, and the collaboration of countries and international organizations. Through these collective efforts, it is possible to reduce the phenomenon of corruption and promote integrity and accountability in our societies.
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