Millions of bribes change hands every day, and billions of people suffer the consequences. Corruption has grown so widespread and sophisticated that it threatens to undermine the very fabric of society. In some countries almost nothing gets done unless a palm is greased. A bribe to the right person will enable one to pass an exam, get a driver's license, land a contract, or win a lawsuit. Bribery runs especially rampant in the world of commerce.
Some companies allocate a third of all their profits just to pay off corrupt government bureaucrats.
As the scale of this corruption has increased, the consequences have become catastrophic. To answer that question, we must first identify some of the fundamental causes of corruption. At times, a bribe may provide a convenient means of avoiding punishment. Many who observe that politicians, policemen, and judges seem to ignore corruption or even practice it themselves merely follow their example. As corruption snowballs, it becomes more acceptable until it is finally a way of life.