Wielding power is an important yet highly delicate aspect of leadership. When public office is misused for personal gain, it’s an abuse of power. Degrees of this widespread problem range from petty corruption, the everyday behavior of officials who take advantage of ordinary citizens, to grand corruption that disrupts the very functioning of the government. Demands for bribes, warrantless wiretapping, false imprisonment and police brutality are all examples of corrupt behavior. In the private sector, misuse of power might take the form of harassment, bribery, or dishonesty in business. Corruption is a widespread problem around the world, damaging economic growth and human rights. Although it is impossible to estimate the damage done by global corruption, it has been shown to deter investment and thwart political legitimacy.
