Which term describes the act of receiving something of value for doing one's job improperly?

The term that describes the act of receiving something of value for doing one's job improperly is "corruption." This term encompasses a broad range of unethical behaviors within public service, where an individual in a position of authority uses their power for personal gain rather than serving the public interest. Corruption can manifest in various forms, including bribery, where a person may specifically offer money or gifts to influence the actions of someone in a governmental position.

In this context, the focus is on the nature of compromising one’s responsibilities and responsibilities for personal benefit, which defines corruption in its broader sense. It indicates a systemic failure where trust and public confidence are eroded due to the individual's actions that deviate from their role and the ethical standards expected of them.

While bribery, extortion, and misconduct are related concepts, they specifically refer to distinct actions or behaviors within the realm of corruption. Bribery focuses solely on the exchange aspect, extortion involves coercing someone into giving something of value, and misconduct refers to any inappropriate behavior in a professional setting, which may not always involve a tangible exchange of value. Hence, corruption serves as the overarching term that accurately captures the essence of the scenario described.