Bribery and corruption are major problems in the world today, and they pose significant risks to individuals, companies, and governments alike. Bribery and Corruption: Navigating the Global Risks, written by Brian P. Loughman, is a comprehensive guide to understanding and managing these risks.
The book begins with an overview of bribery and corruption, discussing their definitions and legal frameworks. It then moves on to explore the various types of corruption that exist, such as grand corruption and petty corruption, and the different ways in which they can manifest themselves. Loughman emphasizes the importance of understanding the cultural and economic contexts in which bribery and corruption occur and provides readers with a framework for assessing the risk of these practices in different regions of the world.
The book then examines the different stakeholders involved in bribery and corruption, including individuals, companies, and governments. Loughman discusses the ethical considerations that should guide their behaviour, as well as the legal obligations they have to prevent and detect bribery and corruption. He also provides guidance on how to create effective anti-bribery and corruption programs, including the use of risk assessments, due diligence, and internal controls.
Another key topic addressed in the book is the importance of cooperation between governments and the private sector in combating bribery and corruption. Loughman explores the different ways in which this can be achieved, including through the use of international conventions and cooperation agreements, and the role that civil society can play in supporting these efforts.
The book also discusses the different forms of enforcement that exist for bribery and corruption, including criminal and civil penalties, and the role that whistle-blowers can play in exposing corrupt practices. Loughman emphasizes the importance of creating a culture of compliance within organisations and provides guidance on how to promote ethical behaviour and prevent misconduct.
Overall, Bribery and Corruption: Navigating the Global Risks is a comprehensive and practical guide to understanding and managing the risks associated with bribery and corruption. It provides readers with a clear understanding of the legal and ethical frameworks that exist, as well as the tools and strategies that can be used to prevent and detect corrupt practices. The book is an essential resource for anyone who is involved in the prevention, detection, or investigation of bribery and corruption, including lawyers, compliance professionals, and government officials.
The key takeaways from this book
The book emphasizes the importance of a proactive approach to bribery and corruption risk management. Organisations should develop and implement robust anti-bribery and corruption policies and procedures, including due diligence on business partners and third-party intermediaries, employee training and awareness programs, and regular risk assessments.
The author emphasizes the importance of complying with anti-bribery and corruption laws, such as the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and the UK Bribery Act. The book provides practical guidance on complying with these laws, including best practices for conducting internal investigations and responding to potential violations.
The book highlights the risks associated with conducting business in high-risk countries or industries. Organisations should be aware of the unique risks and challenges associated with operating in these environments, and take steps to mitigate those risks, such as implementing enhanced due diligence procedures, establishing local compliance programs, and engaging with local stakeholders.
The author emphasizes the importance of senior leadership buy-in and commitment to anti-bribery and corruption efforts. Organisations should establish a strong "tone from the top" that communicates the importance of ethical behaviour and compliance with anti-bribery and corruption laws.
The book provides practical guidance on how organisations can respond to potential bribery and corruption incidents. This includes developing a comprehensive incident response plan, which outlines the steps to be taken in the event of a suspected or actual incident, such as initiating an internal investigation, engaging with external advisors, and communicating with key stakeholders, including regulators and law enforcement.
