This article applies a novel conceptual framework to characterise and assess the repertoire of practices used by informal networks to redistribute power and access to resources. These distinct norms and practices are typologised as co-optation, control, and camouflage. Co-optation involves recruitment into the network by means of the reciprocal exchange of favours. Control is about ensuring discipline amongst network members by means of shaming and social isolation. Camouflage refers to the formal facades behind which informality hides and is about protecting and legitimising the network.
The value and importance of Collective Action
Collective Action is becoming increasingly popular as a tool to help solve some of the more difficult and systemic aspects of bribery. It also plays an important role for peer companies keen to ensure a level playing field when acquiring new business.
Lawyers can help their clients to identify, join or initiate new forms of Collective Action because the opportunities and scope are so broad and flexible. There is the potential therefore to find something suitable for all companies wherever they operate in the world.
Collective Action to tackle corruption
An important factor for success in anti-corruption Collective Action is that it should be a business-driven endeavour. That being said, the role of civil society must be recognised for its important contributions towards successful multi-stakeholder approaches against corruption.
This article from the Spring 2016 edition of Ethical Boardroom magazine looks at how building a strong coalition with civil society puts business on the front foot.
Building alliances to tackle corruption
William Nero examines the role of leadership in driving a collaborative and sustained fight against corruption in this article from the Summer 2015 edition of Ethical Boardroom magazine.
Doing business in high risk countries
Attractive investment and growth opportunities are often found in countries with high levels of risk. As such, companies need to make sufficient preparations, write Elena Hounta and Selvan Lehmann.
Using power and influence analysis to address corruption risks: the case of the Ugandan drug supply chain
Power and influence analysis can be used to assess corruption vulnerabilities in the public sector. This approach helps identify powerful stakeholders that should be engaged to achieve maximum impact for anti-corruption strategies. It also helps reveal informal political networks and relationships that can hamper anti-corruption efforts.
The Indonesian "Direktorat Jenderal Hukum Dan Perjanjian Internasional" (Directorate General of Law and Treaty) published a book in its series "Opinio Juris" featuring the article "Practical Hurdles to Effective International Recovery of Stolen Assets" written by Gretta Fenner Zinkernagel and Anja Roth.
National Integrity System Bericht Schweiz
On February 7th 2012, Transparency International published the National Integrity Systems Assessment for Switzerland. The Basel Institute on Governance contributed to this study through research and the compilation of three of the twelve pillar-chapters.
This chapter appears in International Law and Standards Applicable in Natural Disaster Situations edited by Erica Harper.
The private sector plays a pivotal role in fighting corruption worldwide. Transparency International’s Global Corruption Report 2009 documents in unique detail the many corruption risks for businesses, ranging from small entrepreneurs in Sub-Saharan Africa to multinationals from Europe and North America.