Corruption has many faces and forms but in all instances the effects are the same, which is to seriously undermine the political, economic and social foundations upon which countries are based.
In political terms, democratic processes are subverted, accountability is reduced and the provision of services diminished.
In economic terms, corruption distorts and inflates the cost of doing business in the private sector; while in the public sector it acts as a lightning rod for funneling investment towards projects with a greater potential for creating bribes and kickbacks.
Societies are also seriously undermined as corruption weakens the rights of workers, engendering economic advantages in international markets through those illegitimate gains.