| Approach to causation | Definitions and prevention methods | |
| Primary cause | Prevention methods | |
| Positivist (e.g., peer pressure, learning, opportunity) | External factors (usually social and economic) push an individual toward crime and corruption. | Reform by changing social and economic conditions, or by changing a person’s reaction to them. |
| Classical (e.g., control, routine activities) | A free-will decision to commit corruption is guided by hedonistic tendency to maximize pleasure and minimize pain. | Deterrence through increasing the threat of apprehension and punishment. |
| Structural (e.g., weak or authoritarian jurisdictions with unequal law enforcement) | Systemic political and economic conditions in a jurisdiction that create an environment conducive to corruption. | Legal and structural changes to election processes, the balance of power in a jurisdiction, the enforcement of laws, and ability to file complaints without fear. |
| Ethical (e.g., prevent self-interested conduct; enhance recognition of harm, wrongfulness | Free-will decisions are guided by ethical principles. Illegal conduct occurs because it brings pleasure instead of shame due to its wrongfulness and harm to the victim and community. | Education and reinforcement of ethical decision making from an early age, and through job training and recruitment. Reduction of external factors that promote unethical decisions. |