Columbia International Affairs Online: Working Papers

CIAO DATE: 06/2010

Business Principles for Countering Bribery: A Multi-Stakeholders Initiative Led by Transparency International

February 2009

Transparency International

Abstract

The Business Principles for Countering Bribery were originally developed through an extensive multi-stakeholder process involving companies, non-governmental organisations and trade unions as a tool to assist enterprises to develop effective approaches to countering bribery in all of their activities. Enterprises should implement anti-bribery programmes both as an expression of core values of integrity and responsibility, but also to counter the risk of bribery. Risk will vary across different industries and specific companies, but no enterprise can be sure that that it will be free of risk. An effective anti-bribery programme strengthens reputation, builds the respect of employees, raises credibility with key stakeholders and supports an enterprise’s commitment to corporate responsibility.