Corruption

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/wharton-corruption

Introduction

# Course Review: "Corruption" on Coursera ## Overview In an era where the headlines are often dominated by reports of corruption, this Coursera course titled **"Corruption"** offers an in-depth exploration of one of the most pressing issues of our time. Understanding the role of corruption is vital, especially when we see citizens around the world bravely protesting against it, demanding transparency and accountability from their leaders. Through this course, learners will delve into the intricacies of what corruption entails, how it manifests in various forms, and its far-reaching impacts on societies globally. ## Course Structure and Content The course is structured into four comprehensive weeks, each tackling different facets of corruption: ### Week 1: What is Corruption? The course kicks off with a foundational understanding of corruption. Participants will explore its definitions—both general and legal—while learning to measure it using tools like the Corruption Perceptions Index. This week also provides historical context, aiding learners in grasping the current “Eruption in Corruption” that seems pervasive today. By the end of this module, you will be equipped to identify corruption and understand its fundamental characteristics. ### Week 2: Societal Level Effects Transitioning from definition to impact, the second week examines how corruption affects not just economies, but social structures and individual lives. Learners will dissect the economic, psychological, and social costs of corruption, exploring issues such as parallel institutions and loss of public trust. The lessons here are vital for anyone interested in social development, as they underline the broad consequences of corrupt practices. ### Week 3: Individual Firm Level Effects Diving deeper into corruption, the third module focuses on its impact on businesses and ethical relationships within firms. Key topics include the financial implications of corruption, the benefits of bribery from different perspectives, and how to cultivate a culture of integrity in organizations. By the end of this week, participants will gain insights into the direct and indirect costs associated with corruption, helping them understand its broader implications on business health. ### Week 4: Corruption Control The final week aims to tackle the crucial question of whether corruption can be controlled effectively. Learners will evaluate different strategies for addressing corruption across various societal dimensions, and assess real-world examples of effective corruption control measures. The culmination of the course includes a peer-reviewed assignment where students will analyze a recent incident of corruption, applying the principles learned throughout the course. ## Course Benefits - **Broad Relevance**: This course is indispensable for anyone interested in governance, business ethics, social justice, or international relations. It provides the necessary tools to understand and address corruption in diverse personal, corporate, and societal contexts. - **Expert Insights**: With materials curated by experts, students will benefit from authoritative perspectives on corruption, enhancing their educational experience. - **Practical Applications**: The course emphasizes real-world applications, enabling students to relate theoretical knowledge to current events and occurrences in their localities. ## Who Should Enroll? This course is highly recommended for students, professionals, and activists who wish to deepen their understanding of corruption and its effects. Government officials, NGOs, business leaders, and anyone involved in policy-making or ethical practices would find this course particularly beneficial. Additionally, it’s a great fit for those who aspire to work in sectors that value integrity and accountability. ## Conclusion The **"Corruption"** course on Coursera is a robust, well-structured program that empowers learners with the knowledge and tools required to understand and combat corruption in various forms. Its comprehensive approach—from definitions and impacts to control measures—equips participants to engage deeply with one of society’s most challenging issues. If you’re looking to arm yourself with the understanding necessary to make a difference in your community or profession, this course is highly recommended. Enroll today and take the first step towards becoming a more informed and active citizen in the fight against corruption!

Syllabus

Week 1: What is Corruption?

Corruption affects us all and millions of people around the world protest against it every day. What is corruption? How do we know it when we see it? This module is designed to give you an understanding of both the definition and the key components of corruption. You’ll learn about the general and legal definitions of corruption, how to measure it using the Corruptions Perceptions Index, examine the history of corruption, and evaluate where corruption takes place in the world. You'll also learn three major theories that attempt to explain the current "Eruption in Corruption" that we are facing today. By the end of this module, you’ll be able to explain what corruption is, how it is measured, the costs of corruption, and how corruption spreads so that you can begin identifying and measuring corruption where it affects you.

In this module, you'll explore the extensive effects of corruption, including its economic, social and psychological costs. You'll learn how corruption leads to the informal creation of parallel institutions, such as loansharking and black markets, and see the role decision makers play in enabling the spread of corruption. You'll also learn how trust is jeopardized, and how this loss of trust inhibits economic and social development. You'll examine the social costs of corruption, including decreases in the quality of infrastructure and in environmental quality, increases in terrorism and infant mortality, and other threats to human security. At the end of this module, you'll be able to outline the comprehensive effects of corruption so that you can determine strategies for addressing them.

This module was designed to help you explore the ethics behind corruption through external and internal relationships. You'll learn about the time and monetary costs of corruption, perspectives on the benefits of bribery, and the characteristics of a strong ethical climate. You'll also learn how to identify indirect costs of corruption, including those that are easy to predict, like fines and settlements, and those which are harder to quantify, such as effects on an individual's reputation. At the end of this module, you'll be able to define corruption as part of a relationship, outline the costs of corruption on those relationships, and categorize the sanctions, both predictable and unpredictable, imposed on corrupt entities.

In this module, you will learn the main theories about control of corruption. You'll explore whether or not corruption can be controlled. Then, you'll examine the different ways corruption can be controlled: firms, industries, and polities (organized societies). You'll learn about assurance problems, platforms for exchange, and certification programs as some methods of control. You'll look at the steps organized societies have taken to control corruption, including the example of a country that used to have the cleanest government in the world. By the end of this course, you will be able to apply the principles you’ve learned by assessing the work of your peers in a Peer Review assignment. You'll create a Corruption Analysis in which you identify and analyze a real life incident of corruption that has occurred anywhere in the world over the past 12-18 months.