Anti-Bribery Management System, a framework for ethical organisational conduct from top down
THE phrase “a fish rots from the head down” aptly describes how it applies to organisations when it comes to preventing criminal acts, including corruption, regardless of their adoption of standards, systems, or certifications to avoid such occurrences.
Leadership plays a crucial role in adopting measures that establish ethical credibility through independent validation of an organisation’s adherence to global standards in its business activities.
Notably, even the slightest wavering or lack of firm commitment from an organisation’s top management can reduce a robust, internationally recognised system such as the ISO 37001 Anti-Bribery Management System (ABMS) to mere paper formalities.
In other words, the ABMS has been reduced to being a mere corporate showcase, with little dedication or willingness to fully implement the control mechanisms established as the organisation’s anti-bribery compliance framework.
Setting a robust foundation
From the outset, the ABMS provides organisations with exactly this framework.
Organisations look to ABMS to assist them in establishing, implementing, maintaining and improving an anti-bribery compliance programme designed for the primary goal of preventing, detecting and responding to bribery.
Once the framework is completed, the main focus for the organisation with the ABMS will then shift to implementation, which is centred on three main thrusts to achieve its goal. They are:
Prevention: To inculcate the culture of integrity and transparency, establish policies, procedures and controls. This includes the training of employees, conducting risk assessments and ensuring that all business operations are conducted ethically.
Detection: This is done through constant monitoring and auditing, encouraging whistleblowing and setting up reporting channels that allow employees and other stakeholders to report suspicious activities without the fear of retaliation and response.
Response: Prompt and effective—demonstrated by conducting thorough investigations, taking the necessary corrective actions and cooperating with law enforcement agencies at the earliest possible opportunity.