In monetary corruption, the exchange relation is carried out by way of a transfer of money; in bureaucratic corruption, by way of a transfer of power. Both types of corruption can circumvent regulations defined by legitimate or systemic law. The corruption of social relations regulated by legitimate law involves a transformation from communicative action to strategic action. The corruption of social relationships regulated by systemic law intensifies action-coordinating mechanisms aimed at monetary or bureaucratic success. The usefulness of this approach is described, with reference to some important topics of debate in research on corruption. Figures, notes, and 64 references (Author abstract modified)