Which of the following statements about corruption is correct?

Corruption is a broad term that encompasses various unethical or illegal acts involving the misuse of power for personal gain. The primary characteristic of corruption is that it results in wrongful benefits, where an individual takes advantage of their position or authority contrary to their duties or responsibilities. This definition aligns with the idea that when someone engages in corrupt practices, they are acting against the ethical obligations tied to their role, thereby obtaining benefits that are not rightfully theirs.

In contrast, the other statements fail to capture the essence of corruption effectively. While influence and bribery are related to corrupt practices, they do not fully encompass the scope of corruption. Moreover, corruption often entails financial transactions, as these are typically the medium through which corrupt acts are executed, making the idea that corruption does not pertain to financial transactions inaccurate. Understanding the nature of corruption through the lens of wrongful benefits is essential for recognizing and combating such unethical behavior in various contexts.