Corruption Watch, ODI and the National Business Initiative

This report examines the corporate governance practices of 100 corporations operating in South Africa. Its methodology and findings highlight the importance of active engagement in Collective Action as part of anti-corruption compliance programmes and reporting.

The press release summarises the recommendations as follows:

The report concludes that the fight against corruption cannot be waged within individual corporations alone, but must extend across a broad scope of organisations, within and outside the business sector.

What is required is an all-encompassing collective action by the corporate sector, as well as its interaction and co-operation with other elements of society similarly engaged in fighting corruption – what could be defined as an “all of society” approach. There is a case to be made for collaboration on anti-corruption programmes with a range of other stakeholders, including NGOs, civil society organisations, academic or media organisations, and the public sector.

The assessment covers whether or not companies engage actively in Collective Action, calling it a “crucial element” in corruption prevention alongside transparency, training, risk assessments and control systems.