Corruption

The general understanding of corruption involves the corrupt actor occupying a position that vests in him or her power, authority, or trust within a public institution or office. When the actor engages in an act that abuses this power, authority, or trust, the act is said to be corrupt. In some jurisdictions, the abuse of office is itself a criminal act. However, the act itself need not be criminal to be classified as corrupt. Thus, an employee of a private company who engages in embezzlement is guilty of fraud but does not, in the general understanding of the term, engage in corruption. However, if the organization were a government organization, the fraud may be considered corruption. Conversely, where a senior bureaucrat in a private firm uses his or her authority to sway potential voters, the act would be unlikely to be criminal in itself. If the firm were public, however, the act may be considered corrupt and, in certain jurisdictions, attract criminal sanctions.