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- But while it's tempting to blame such activities on weak morals, research shows that corruption—or abuse of power for private gain—is far more complicated, said Marina Zaloznaya, an assistant professor of sociology at the University of Iowa.
Corruption can span large groups—such as organizations or even the populations of entire nations—if the majority of the people within them find bribery and other forms of corruption to be commonplace, Zaloznaya said. [Understanding the 10 Most Destructive Human Behaviors]
Organizations with widespread corruption typically develop cultures that justify and encourage corruption, often so much that corruption becomes routine and isn't viewed as an offense, Zaloznaya said.