Corruption: causes, effects and deterrents

Corruption is a cosmopolitan problem. However, its adverse effects on less developed countries are perhaps more profound because it has greatly affected the potential for governments in such countries to meet the basic needs and expectations of the common people. There is thus a pressing need for a sustained effort to eradicate the problem of corruption. This study endeavours to conceptualise the nature, causes and effects of corruption. It begins by defining the term corruption and its practices, followed by an assessment of how a number of developing countries measure this phenomenon within their national borders. The focus then narrows to exploring corruption within an African context, and the causes and viable means of curbing the problem. The article concludes on a positive note, with examples of success stories in the fight against corruption.