Exploring Anti-corruption Strategies

The first question that all Global Compact members will meet when responding to the new Communication on Progress Questionnaire in the Anti-corruption section, asks about the company’s anti-corruption compliance program.

 There are many reasons why the elimination of corruption has become a priority within the business community. Confidence and trust in business among investors, customers, employees, and the public have been eroded by recent waves of business ethics scandals around the globe.

 Anti-corruption programs are at the very core of what companies are expected to have in place when working with the 10th Principle of the Global Compact. They can help organizations prevent and detect risks and carry out sanctions if needed. Anti-corruption programs can cover a broad range of topics and might include procedures on how to handle bribes, gifts, and conflicts of interest.

 An Anti-corruption compliance program may require dedicated staff to develop and implement it, as well as to communicate commitments to business partners and employees. It is important that continuous monitoring and improvement occurs and that appropriate measures are taken in the event the program is violated. These features should be explicitly included in the compliance program.

At this network meeting, we will explore components of anti-corruption programs that work, including:

• Which elements should an anti-corruption program cover?
• What does an organizational setup that enables successful implementation of strategies look like?
• How can a program be best communicated, externally and internally?

This meeting is reserved for members of the Global Compact Network Denmark’s Anti-corruption group.