MERITOCRACY – a political system in which economic goods and/or political power are vested in individuals, based on ability, talent, effort, and achievement, rather than wealth or social class. Advancement in such a system is based on performance, measured through assessment or demonstrated achievement. The term is a combination of merit: derived from Latin mereō, Read more >
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KAKISTOCRACY – a government run by the most unscrupulous or least qualified people. The term is derived from two Greek words, kakistos (κάκιστος; worst) and kratos (κράτος; rule), literally meaning ‘government by the worst people’. KICKBACK – a bribe, the return of an undue favour or service rendered, an illegal secret payment made as a Read more >
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ILLICIT FINANCIAL FLOWS – this generally involves the cross-border transfer of money earned through illegal activities, and efforts to shelter wealth from a country’s tax authorities. The sources of the funds of these transfers come in three forms: corruption, such as bribery and theft by government officials; criminal activities, such as drug trading, human trafficking, Read more >
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GIFT GIVING – a cultural practice in many societies, by which people offer presents and favours in various circumstances according to local customs. Problems arise when gift giving to and by public officials contradicts the principles of impartiality, professionalism, and meritocracy. In exchange for a gift, the official is expected to show preferential treatment to Read more >
CORRUPTION NEWS
Glossary of corruption-related terms Do you know your baksheesh from your bribery? Your cronyism from your collusion? Read our evolving glossary of terms relating to corruption to find out what they all mean. Sources:U4 Anti-Corruption Resource CentreTransparency International A A LOOTA CONTINUA ABUSE OF POWER / OFFICE / RESOURCES / FUNCTION ACCESS TO INFORMATION ACCOUNTABILITY Read more >
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FACILITATION PAYMENTS – these are bribes, also called facilitating, speed or grease payments. They’re made to secure or expedite the performance of a routine or necessary action to which the payer actually has legal or other entitlement. FAKELAKI – this Greek term is close to the notion of ‘tip’ in meaning, but at the same Read more >
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EMBEZZLEMENT – when a person holding office in an institution, organisation or company dishonestly and illegally appropriates, uses or traffics the funds and goods they have been entrusted with for personal enrichment or other activities. ENHANCED DUE DILIGENCE – this refers to refer to Know Your Customer money laundering measures that include validation and documentation Read more >
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DEBARMENT – a company is debarred by a government or multilateral agency when it is formally prohibited from tendering for projects that the government or agency is funding (or supporting the funding for). This happens if, after enquiry and examination, that company is adjudged to have been involved in the use of corruption to secure Read more >
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CAPITAL FLIGHT – this is money that shifts out of a country, whether legally or illegally. Illegal capital flight is intended to disappear from any record in the country of origin. Earnings on the stock of illegal flight capital outside of a country do not normally return to the country of origin. Illegal flight capital Read more >