How did bosses use kickbacks for their own personal gain?

Bosses often used kickbacks as a form of illicit compensation, where they received payments or benefits from suppliers or contractors in exchange for awarding contracts or business deals. This corrupt practice allowed them to inflate costs, funneling excess profits into their own pockets while compromising the integrity of business operations. Such arrangements undermined fair competition and often led to subpar products or services, as decisions were based on personal gain rather than the best interests of the company. Ultimately, this behavior eroded trust and accountability within organizations.