166. Corruption (Listen and Read)

When an official of a government or business is acting dishonestly,

we say that this person is corrupt.

Corruption is a serious problem in many countries around the world.

There are several different kinds of corrupt practices,

including bribes, kickbacks, nepotism, and embezzlement.

A bribe is a payment of money or some other benefit,

in exchange for a decision that would not otherwise be made.

For example, an accused criminal might bribe a judge

so that the judge would make a decision of "not guilty".

Another example is that a business owner might bribe a government official

so that the official would allow the construction of very unsafe buildings.

A kickback is similar to a bribe,

except that the official receives some part of the money in a dishonest business deal.

For example, governments sometimes decide which company should build a road.

A company might offer money to a government official who makes the decision,

so that this company will be chosen,

even if it's not the best company for the job.

Nepotism happens when an official unfairly gives advantages to his or her relatives.

For example, a government official might hire a brother or sister to do a job

even though other people would be much better qualified for that job.

Of course, all of us want to help our relatives,

but it is wrong to do this at the expense of the public.

Embezzlement happens when an official secretly steals some money from a company or government.

For example, a manager at a company

might secretly move some of the company's money to his or her own bank account,

and that manager might lie about his or her expenses

in order to receive more payment from the company.

Corruption has very bad effects on people, in several ways.

Sometimes it can lead to very dangerous situations.

One example of this is when unsafe construction projects are approved by officials who have been bribed.

Another example is when criminals are freed as a result of bribes.

Also, a country's economy can be damaged by corruption.

For example, if companies must pay bribes in order to do business,

then they may decide to leave the country.

Also, if people's tax money is stolen by corrupt officials,

this makes the people poorer.

In addition, when company officials are corrupt,

it makes the company less able to compete with other companies.

How can corruption be stopped?

An important step is for each person to decide not to act in ways that are corrupt.

People must agree to take this problem seriously.

Also, each company and each government must have strict rules about corruption.

It must be very clear to all employees from the lowest to the highest

that corruption is totally unacceptable.