Corruption conversation questions

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Corruption refers to a lack of integrity or honesty (especially susceptibility to bribery) and the use of a position of trust for dishonest gain.

Corruption[edit | edit source]

How much corruption do you think there is in your country? Do you think there is more or less than in other countries?
Does the press refer to it often? Do you know of cases which don't "make it" to the press?
Corruption can exist at many levels in a society. A corrupt policeman may accept a bribe to ignore an offence; a local politician and businessman may exchange money or gifts in order to secure government contracts; a head of state or a national government may engage in corruption on a massive scale to drain money from a country. Which forms of corruption, if any, have you seen?
Do you think it makes any difference if the corruption takes place in private businesses rather than in governments? If so, what is the difference?
What type of governments do you think are more likely to be corrupt - democracies or dictatorships? Why?
If corruption is a problem in a country, how could it be reduced?
Do you think that corruption is increasing day by day instead of decreasing?

Favouritism and nepotism, whereby jobs are given to friends or relatives, are also forms of corruption. Are you aware of any such practices?
What is the difference between nepotism and cronyism?
What is worse: grand corruption or petty corruption? Or both?
Do you know of any international organizations that fight against corruption?
How frequently do you think such practices are? What do you think are the consequences?
If you were the boss of a large corporation or government ministry and you were in a position to help out your friends and relatives, would you do so? What would you think about the ethics?
Do you think corruption can be fought with transparency?

If you became aware of corrupt activities at the company where you work, what would you do?
Is it common practice in your company to receive gifts from suppliers at Christmas time? If so, what do you think of this custom?
At what value would a "small gift" change into a bribe?
The 78-year-old fraudster Bernie Madoff was sentenced to 150 years in prison in 2009. What do you think of this sentence?