Corruption is a complex topic due to variances in the political and socio-cultural spheres, yet, it is captured under a generic definition that is mainly based on a Western understanding that is enforced internationally. In this paper, we utilize China as an example to illustrate the political and socio-cultural variance with regard to influences on corruption. For this, we will develop a frame of formal and informal factors influencing the perception of corruption and subsequently the different understanding of corrupt activities in China. As we will demonstrate, several aspects of what is regarded as corrupt from the perspective of a hegemonic Western definition of corruption are alien to the Chinese understanding. This divergence has consequences also for the measures in the fight against corruption. As our analysis reveals, measures should also reflect country and culture-specific particularities to be effective.
