SECRET COMMISSION Meaning and
Definition
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A secret commission refers to an illicit or undisclosed payment or bribe made to an individual, usually an agent or employee, for the purpose of influencing their decisions or actions in favor of the person offering the commission. Such a commission is often offered with the intention of improperly securing advantageous treatment or services from the recipient.
The concept of a secret commission involves the presence of secrecy or concealment. It typically takes place in professional or business transactions where individuals entrusted with making impartial decisions, such as agents, brokers, or employees, are involved. These individuals receive additional compensation from third parties without disclosing this arrangement. The secretive nature of the commission means that it is not known or authorized by the principal or employer.
Secret commissions can significantly compromise the integrity of the decision-making process, as they incentivize the agent or employee to act against the best interests of the principal or employer. Whether it is a customer referral, a biased product recommendation, or influencing a tender process, secret commissions undermine trust and fair competition.
Legally, secret commissions are often considered unethical and can lead to severe consequences. They may breach fiduciary duties and contractual obligations, and may also constitute bribery or fraud. In many jurisdictions, the offer, acceptance, or facilitation of secret commissions is illegal and subject to criminal charges, civil penalties, or disciplinary actions.
Overall, secret commissions involve clandestine payments made to influence biased decisions or actions by agents or employees, and their existence undermines trust, fairness, and the principles of accountability and transparency.
Etymology of SECRET COMMISSION
The word "secret" originates from the Latin word "secretus", which means "hidden or concealed". It entered the English language in the 14th century. The term "commission" has Latin roots as well, derived from the word "commissio", meaning "entrusting" or "sending on a mission".
When these two words are combined to form "secret commission", the phrase refers to a covert or concealed mission or assignment, often involving unlawful or unethical actions. The exact etymology of the specific phrase "secret commission" is not available, as it is a combination of two common words in the English language.
