This is a very widespread problem, which does not affect the developing world exclusively but has more far-reaching and disastrous consequences for the developing world. For every corrupt public sector employee, there is someone who does the corrupting from the private sector. A state that realises the human and economic costs of corruption must effect a radical transformation in this area. All anti-corruption strategies should be brought into play, including the Herculean task of educating people about corruption. Clear-cut codes of ethics that can be enforced strictly must be devised, and spaces must systematically be created to discuss the problem in educational venues for civil servants.
Information technology can make a valuable contribution.
In this manner, it will be difficult for corruption to flourish because of permanent control by the preventive systems in place and supervision by the citizens themselves. In-depth reforms require active social and political support. This week's Soapbox speaker, a former member of Parliament, teaches political science at the American University in Cairo.