International Anti-Corruption Day
Several significant policy measures have been introduced globally to combat corruption in business governance in recent years. Many countries have strengthened their anti-corruption legislation, implementing more comprehensive and stringent measures against bribery and unethical business practices.
Governments and international organisations have also introduced policies to protect whistleblowers who expose corruption within companies. These laws have been enhanced to encourage employees and other stakeholders to report misconduct without fear of retaliation. Additionally, countries have pushed for greater transparency in business operations by requiring companies to disclose beneficial ownership and implement stricter procurement regulations. Measures such as making procurement data accessible, ensuring competitive bidding, and imposing strict penalties for corruption-related offences have become more common.
To further prevent corruption, businesses are increasingly being encouraged, or even mandated, to establish comprehensive internal compliance programmes. These include conducting regular anti-corruption audits and providing employee training on ethical conduct. Moreover, governments have intensified enforcement by imposing severe penalties on companies and individuals found guilty of corruption, including hefty fines, debarment from government contracts, and criminal prosecution of executives involved in corrupt practices.
Collectively, these initiatives create a more robust framework for business governance that promotes ethical practices, transparency, and accountability. However, how do these measures translate into the everyday business environment? More specifically, how does an organisation’s culture serve as a framework for evaluating its commitment to anti-corruption?
An organisation’s culture strongly indicates how seriously it upholds anti-corruption policies and ethical business practices. A strong anti-corruption culture begins with leadership commitment. The CEO and board members set the tone for the organisation’s ethical standards. When leadership actively promotes anti-corruption and ethical behaviour through their actions and communications, it reinforces the importance of these values. Leaders who adhere to anti-corruption policies visibly support them and hold themselves accountable, fostering a culture where ethical behaviour is prioritised.
A well-established anti-corruption culture also includes a clear, well-communicated policy that outlines expectations for all employees, including management. This policy typically addresses bribery, conflicts of interest, and gift-giving issues. It should be easily accessible and incorporated into employee training and onboarding programs. Furthermore, a culture of transparency and integrity is strengthened when organisations provide secure and anonymous channels for reporting unethical behaviour. Effective whistleblower protection ensures employees feel safe and supported when reporting misconduct, reinforcing the company’s commitment to tackling corruption. Organisations that are serious about combating corruption also invest in regular training and awareness programmes. Employees at all levels should be educated on legal and ethical standards, with training programs emphasising the importance of compliance and ethical decision-making in daily operations.
By embedding these principles into corporate culture, organisations can move beyond policy enforcement and create an environment where integrity, transparency, and accountability are ingrained in everyday business practices.
