CIPE’s Partnership with IRI on a CEPPS DEPP Project

CIPE’s Anti-Corruption and Governance Center (ACGC) partnered with the International Republican Institute (IRI) to research collective movements against kleptocracy in seven countries: Armenia, Guatemala, Malaysia, Romania, Moldova, Thailand, and Ukraine. This research was informed by international and local experts and supplemented by podcasts and videos. All of these resources were produced as a part of USAID-funded, Consortium for Elections and Political Processes (CEPPS) Democratic Elections and Political Processes (DEPP) project to inform anti-corruption practitioners, policymakers, the business community, and civil society about the importance of key collective action approaches and the role of anti-corruption champions in the fight against kleptocracy. 

The report, Identifying Successful Collective Action Approaches Against Kleptocracy, is now available to the public. While each case study is different, the report outlines common factors that triggered mass movements against kleptocrats and ultimately resulted in positive change. It establishes a foundation of knowledge on what it takes to effectively and rapidly respond when the window for reforms opens. Notably, the power of citizen movements, civil society groups, private sector leaders, and government actors coming together against theft and injustice strongly resounds across country contexts. 

Collective Action Against Kleptocracy in Moldova, Ukraine, and Thailand

CIPE contributed to the completion of three case studies in the overall report: Moldova, Thailand, and Ukraine – each providing unique and vital contributions. In Moldova, a bank fraud scandal and a constitutional crisis led Moldovans to unite in the streets in support of a reform-oriented candidate, Maia Sandu, and her anti-kleptocratic agenda. In Ukraine, following President Yanukovych’s refusal to sign an EU association agreement and democratic backsliding favoring ties with Russia, mass protests erupted, and civil society backed everyday citizens in public calls for anti-corruption reforms and EU integration. Finally, in Thailand, in 2010, business leaders formed the Thai Collective Action Against Corruption (Thai CAC), catalyzing mobilization of the private sector to set new compliance standards across the country to improve their global economic standing.  

A New Podcast Series: Collectively Combating Kleptocracy

Kleptocrats frequently adapt to new situations and will try to undermine the calls for transparency and accountability to re-establish their power. However, once the tides of change rise up, it becomes more difficult for kleptocratic leaders to legitimately stay in public office. The report provides key takeaways that address context-specific sensitivities, with the aim of providing roadmaps for movements to maintain positive and structural changes in their countries. The report has been vetted through a diligent peer review process and accompanied by short videos explaining the case studies, as well as the Collectively Combating Kleptocracy podcast series – all available on the new website. 

Celebrating the Public Report Launch with Partners

CEPPS partners, CIPE and IRI, launched the report and all related resources at a public event at the Open Gov Hub in Washington, D.C. on September 19, 2024. Shannon Green USAID’s Assistant to the Administrator of the Bureau for Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance (DRG) and Patrick Quirk, IRI’s Vice President for Strategy, Innovation, and Impact, opened the event with powerful remarks on the importance of fighting kleptocracy as a global priority in the wider anti-corruption context. CIPE’s ACGC Program Manager, Izabela Chmielewska, and IRI’s Senior Governance Specialist, Utpal Misra, presented the findings and recommendations from the report, providing key insights into collective action strategies to combat kleptocracy. 

Andrew Wilson, CIPE’s Executive Director, closed the event with remarks emphasizing the significance of these collective efforts – including key contributions from the private sector. He encouraged the participants to build on the momentum created by this report launch with many key partners present. His words provided a thoughtful conclusion, centering CIPE as a vital partner in collective efforts around the globe to limit kleptocratic power and bolster free-market democracy around the world.  

This project represents CIPE’s commitment to fighting kleptocracy through empowering local democratic movements. It sheds light on the wider importance of anti-corruption efforts everywhere, as well as CIPE’s efforts to bring stakeholders across sectors toward the shared goal of implementing positive democratic and economic policy reforms around the world. We invite you to delve deeper into the lessons by visiting the new website. 

The post Standing Up Together Against Bribes, Repression, and Kleptocrats appeared first on Anti-Corruption & Governance Center.

CIPE’s new How-to Guide to Anti-Corruption Messaging offers actionable guidance to anti-corruption practitioners interested in developing effective messaging campaigns as part of their broader theory of change. This guide provides an accessible framework to “level up” anti-corruption work, providing practical advice such as avoiding negative messaging about the extent of the problem, avoiding “blaming and shaming” the audience, and articulating a clear call to action when appropriate.

Produced in partnership with Caryn Peiffer, Associate Professor in International Public Policy and Governance at the University of Bristol, and Nic Cheeseman, Professor of Democracy at the University of Birmingham, and the National Democratic Institute (NDI), the Guide helps campaigners avoid wasting precious resources or distributing messages around anti-corruption advocacy that have unwanted effects. The campaigners designing anti-corruption messaging campaigns — be they civil society groups, public officials, anti-corruption institutions, or donors — face a terrible risk when developing their campaigns, particularly if awareness-raising is a component of the messaging.

Understanding Risks When Creating Anti-Corruption Messages

One issue with awareness-raising is that it can implicitly communicate to the audience that corruption is widespread and that people just like them are complicit in it. Messaging about corruption in this case is then merely describing an undesirable norm — which risks suggesting to audiences the harmful idea that complacency is logical and thus undermines efforts to resist corruption or to call on public officials to do more to curb corruption.

In 14 major studies that have been conducted regarding the impacts and efficacy of anti-corruption messaging, nearly half of the messaging efforts backfired or produced some kind of unwanted effect (see Table 1). Each study has one or more dominant messaging themes. Of the 27 messaging themes reviewed in those studies, a mere 11% had the desired impact. If you are a campaigner or anti-corruption practitioner and you are considering whether and where to allocate scarce resources, those results are not encouraging — but the new guide offers a chance to reduce the risk of campaigns backfiring or being ineffective.

Tailored Messaging Promotes Effective Campaigns

An idea of central importance in the guide is the “three Ts”: tailoring, targeting, and testing messaging before deploying. It is crucial for campaigners to tailor the message to suit their audience — to consider their prior knowledge, beliefs, and dispositions. Moreover, to effectively target the audience, campaigners need to assess who in society, be it an individual or an institution, is best positioned to deliver a message about anti-corruption. Lastly, testing messages prior to deploying them is essential because it is the only way that campaigners can assess whether their designed messages will likely lead to the desired impacts. The guide breaks down how testing can be done through focus groups, surveys, and experimental approaches. Given the vast amount of time and resources put into anti-corruption awareness-raising each year, the resources required to tailor and target messages as well as test the likely efficacy of those messages is relatively small and represents an excellent value for money.

Beyond the three Ts, the guide offers some fundamental design principles:

• Make sure messaging is clear, concise, and consistent

• Avoid negative messaging about the extent of the problem

• Avoid blaming and shaming the audience

• Consider using credible positive messaging

• Choose the right messenger

• Articulate a clear call to action, if applicable

In addition to the guide itself, the authors have developed a workshop curriculum that can be offered in a half-day or full-day format to interested organizations. In these CIPE-supported workshops, Peiffer and Cheeseman will go through the curriculum with participants, helping them to plan out how best to design their respective anti-corruption messaging campaigns. These workshops are intended to be conducted in person, but the authors are open to arranging virtual workshops as well.

Those interested in arranging a workshop with the authors are encouraged to reach out to acgc@cipe.org.

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CIPE is launching a Corruption Measurement 101 webinar series with global experts who are shaping how we track and gauge corruption. CIPE Senior Global Advisor for Anti-Corruption Johannes Tonn shares insights and a preview.

Corruption measurement matters: in the private sector, for government programs, and in civil society. To advance the fight against corruption, advocates need to know what type of corruption they are up against, what aspects of corruption have the greatest impact, and the extent of the problem. Failing to consider these factors makes it harder to know if anti-corruption efforts lower corruption. Understanding them also helps when adjusting programming to make it more effective.

Evaluating Past Progress

Highlighting the importance of measurement is not new. Anti-corruption advocates have made useful progress over the past thirty years creating and improving indicators and methodologies. They build on each other’s work to enhance the robustness and specificity of different measures.

However, while aggregate measures of corruption used in the past may have had utility for broad-based advocacy efforts, these measures are limited in their ability to inform targeted action for a specific set of stakeholders. Alison Taylor, Clinical Associate Professor at NYU Stern and author of Higher Ground: How Business Can Do the Right Thing in a Turbulent World, pointed out recently that while there is much praise for the growth and qualitative evolution of compliance programs in the corporate world, we don’t know whether these programs lead to the desired impact.

In government, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) set out a number of important anti-corruption priorities in its 2022 Anti-Corruption Policy. Regarding measuring its progress toward these priorities, USAID states, “As a learning organization, USAID will build opportunities to pause, reflect on, and adapt the approaches.” This is where robust and targeted corruption measurement indicators are critical to evaluate the difference that anti-corruption policies and initiatives can make.

Measurement Starts With Specifics

What has always been needed, then and now, is a clear-eyed assessment of the locus and focus of anti-corruption strategies, and corresponding measurement efforts to assess their effectiveness. There has been a flurry of recent, promising activity to develop and enhance corruption measurement at the international level, across academia and among practitioners.

• In 2023, the United Nations Conference of State Parties adopted a resolution focused on measuring the effectiveness of country-based anti-corruption frameworks. The resolution builds on the Vienna Principles for the Measurement of Corruption and the Statistical Framework to Measure Corruption. 
  

• The OECD introduced three of its six Public Integrity Indicators, a collection of primary data on anti-corruption performance in countries. Pilot programs will use the data to further guide anti-corruption strategies.
  

• CIPE, in collaboration with Alina Mungiu-Pippidi, who leads the European Research Centre for Anti-Corruption and State-Building, developed the Corruption Risk Forecast. The forecast is an interactive corruption analysis tool built on public data and provides private- and public-sector decision-makers with an accessible model of corruption risk. 
  

• Joseph Pozsgai, Specially Appointed Associate Professor at Osaka University in Japan, hosts a monthly virtual roundtable that brings together scholars and practitioners to discuss corruption measures in elaborate detail. The schedule and previously recorded roundtables can be found here.  
  

• The Global Programme on Measuring Corruption is part of the International Anti-Corruption Academy. It explored several exciting areas for measurement on specific topics and in different contexts, including by highlighting gaps and setting out future directions. The program was then led by Professor Liz David-Barrett, of the University of Sussex, from October 2022 to May 2023. 

The landscape of corruption and anti-corruption measurement is important for all anti-corruption advocates and evolves rapidly. There is therefore value in summarizing what we have learned, revisiting the foundational questions at the core of the measurement debate, exploring the tradeoffs between different approaches, and thinking out loud about the future of measurement.  

Continuing the Conversation

CIPE is pleased to offer an opportunity to do precisely that in an upcoming three-part discussion with three eminent anti-corruption experts. Professor Paul Heywood, Sir Francis Hill Chair of European Politics at the University of Nottingham and Director of the Governance & Integrity Anti-Corruption Evidence (GI ACE) at University of Sussex; Professor Liz David-Barrett, Director of the Centre for the Study of Corruption at the University of Sussex; along with George Mason University Affiliate Faculty Stephanie Trapnell, will share their long-standing expertise, experience, and insights. Each has contributed to shaping the measurement debate over the past three decades. 

Join us on November 7 for the first session, in which Heywood will discuss why corruption measurement matters and how to go about it. On November 14, Trapnell will explore approaches and trade-offs when deciding between different types of measurement. On November 21, David-Barrett will take stock and share thoughts about where the measurement debate is headed next. 

All sessions start at 8:30 am Eastern Time (1:30 pm GMT & 8:30 pm WIB). Sign up here and email CIPE’s Anti-Corruption & Governance Center at acgc@cipe.org with any questions.

The post Fighting Corruption Requires Measuring Corruption appeared first on Anti-Corruption & Governance Center.

Both domestic and international audiences are receiving the films warmly. Four of the films between them have been selected for inclusion at 15 national and international film festivals, including the Kathmandu International Mountain Film Festival and the Nepal European Union Film Festival. With the films now available on YouTube, viewers around the world can access them.

Taking the Show on the Road

Following the premiere of the films, Onion Films took the films on tour, hosting 15 screenings at secondary schools and universities across Nepal and facilitating conversations about corruption as they went. More than 800 people attended these events. Organizers from Onion Films noted that audiences were consistently engaged, observing that members of the audience shared examples of petty corruption they had experienced in their daily lives. Many noted that the films effectively depicted the nuances and impact of corruption on communities in Nepal. A common theme brought up in the panel discussions and Q&A sessions was the desire for more transparency and accountability.

The tour aimed to reach youth and arranged for expert panelists to attend screenings and host Q&A sessions following the screenings. In focusing on youth, marginalized communities — particularly in the Terai region — and rural areas that have insufficient access to the internet, Onion Films made discussions around anti-corruption topics more equitable and opened space for various communities to discuss issues related to corruption. The expert panel discussions and Q&A following the films allowed for an empowering exchange of ideas between panelists and the audience.

Hoping to leverage the medium of film to precipitate conversations around anti-corruption, ACGC and Onion Films collaborated to equip young Nepali filmmakers with the tools necessary to ply their craft and with knowledge about anti-corruption in the context of Nepal. During the workshop, filmmakers heard from journalists and anti-corruption experts about corruption issues as well as from veteran filmmakers and storytellers in Nepal.

Next Step: Multimedia Inspired by Anti-Corruption Report

ACGC’s work with Onion Films is the second iteration of its anti-corruption multimedia messaging efforts — its first being the collaboration with Contraband Art Collective in Sudan. These multimedia efforts seek to use alternative mediums and trusted messengers to spur conversation around anti-corruption and empower grassroots organizations to drive positive change. As Onion Films completes its work, ACGC is now looking ahead to its next multimedia effort, involving music and comics, which will take place in the coming months. Findings from the How-To Guide to Anti-Corruption Messaging will be incorporated into the campaign.

The post Lights, Camera, Anti-Corruption: The Power of Film for Good Governance appeared first on Anti-Corruption & Governance Center.

This blog is part of a two-blog series discussing business integrity initiatives in Mexico. In part two, we explore specific compliance measures and internal controls that companies are implementing and how these practices align with international compliance standards and best practices. 

CIPE’s Anti-Corruption and Governance Center’s Program Associate Lydia Roeder spoke with CIPE Consultant Gabriela Blanco Munguia, a compliance and business integrity expert in Mexico, to learn more about how Mexican businesses are complying with anti-corruption legislation and how they are collaborating with other actors to combat corruption. This interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity. 

What compliance measures and internal controls do Mexican companies implement to mitigate corruption risks, particularly in high-risk sectors? 

Most Mexican companies implement compliance measures and internal controls based on the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (COSO) framework. However, a lack of integration between auditing and internal control often weakens risk management. Companies tend to have more effective risk prevention and management systems in high-risk sectors with stringent regulatory demands. These sectors understand the importance of comprehensive compliance programs and have invested more in aligning with international standards and best practices. 

Some of the controls and measures that Mexican companies implement to mitigate corruption risks include: 

• Ethics and Compliance Training: Regular ethics and compliance training programs are used to educate all employees on compliance issues, ethical behavior, and anti-corruption practices. These training sessions foster a culture of integrity and ensure that employees understand their roles and responsibilities in preventing corruption. 

• Whistleblower Channels: Companies implement whistleblower channels that allow employees and other stakeholders to report any suspicious activities or violations of company policies confidentially. These channels are essential for detecting and addressing potential issues before they escalate. 

• Regular Audits and Monitoring: Regular audits and continuous monitoring of business operations are conducted to ensure adherence to compliance policies and procedures. These audits help identify any discrepancies or areas of non-compliance that need to be addressed. 

• Conflict of Interest Declarations: Employees must declare any potential conflicts of interest that could affect their judgment. This transparency helps prevent situations where personal interests could compromise ethical standards. 

• Compliance Committees: Establishing compliance committees that oversee the implementation and effectiveness of compliance programs. These committees review compliance issues, address concerns, and ensure continuous improvement in compliance practices. 

How do these programs align with international anti-corruption standards and best practices? 

Generally, Mexican companies’ internal control, compliance, anti-corruption, and risk management programs align well with international standards and best practices. By adopting globally recognized frameworks and guidelines, these programs ensure that Mexican businesses remain globally competitive and reputable. One example of a widely used framework is the ISO 37001 Anti-Bribery Management System, a standard designed to help organizations in over 171 countries implement and maintain effective anti-bribery management systems and promote cultures of integrity, transparency, and compliance. Another is the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) treaty, the only legally binding universal anti-corruption instrument designed to help businesses in 190 countries prevent and control corruption. Moreover, adherence to these standards enhances trust and credibility with international partners, investors, and customers, strengthening the organization’s global presence. 

In addition to framework alignment, Mexican companies actively participate in international forums, collaborate with industry peers, and engage with global organizations to stay updated on evolving anti-corruption standards and best practices. This proactive approach allows them to continuously enhance their compliance programs, integrate lessons learned from global experiences, and benchmark against industry leaders. Furthermore, many Mexican companies undergo third-party assessments and certifications to validate their adherence to international anti-corruption standards, providing external assurance and validation of their commitment to ethical business practices. 

By aligning with international anti-corruption standards and best practices, Mexican companies mitigate corruption risks and contribute to a more transparent and ethical global business environment. This alignment fosters sustainable growth, enhances investor confidence, and promotes domestic and international economic development. As Mexico continues to strengthen its commitment to combating corruption, aligning its corporate compliance programs with international standards will be pivotal in advancing integrity and accountability across industries. 

How do private sector entities collaborate with government agencies, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and other stakeholders to combat corruption? 

Collaboration between private sector entities, government agencies, CSOs, and other stakeholders is crucial for combating corruption. Although limited in number, CSOs have conducted valuable research and exposed corruption using public information. However, these organizations often face challenges in receiving adequate support and recognition. Moreover, the current system in Mexico does not fully integrate these organizations into public functions and often views them as adversaries. This disconnect hampers the potential for effective collaboration and undermines efforts to combat corruption. 

Are there any industry-specific initiatives or alliances focused on promoting transparency and accountability? 

Yes, in Mexico several industry-specific initiatives and alliances are focused on promoting transparency and accountability: 

• Codes of Integrity and Business Ethics: Many business chambers, such as the Consejo Coordinador Empresarial (CCE) and the Confederación Patronal de la República Mexicana (COPARMEX), promote codes of ethics and business conduct that foster transparency and accountability. 

• Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI): Mexico is part of this global initiative, which promotes transparency in the management of natural resources and ensures that companies in the extractive sector operate with clear accountability standards. 

• Instituto de Control Interno (ICI): The ICI is an organization that works with companies to improve their internal control and compliance systems. It promotes internal audit and control practices that reinforce organizational transparency and accountability. 

• Integridad Corporativa 500 (IC500): This initiative evaluates and ranks the most competitive companies in Mexico, considering factors such as transparency, business ethics, and accountability. It encourages companies to adopt best practices and strive for high standards of performance and responsibility. 

However, the effectiveness of these initiatives often falters at the implementation stage, highlighting the need for better execution and follow-through. Ongoing efforts are necessary to ensure that these industry-specific initiatives translate into tangible improvements in transparency and accountability practices across various sectors in Mexico. 

Image Credit: Mikhail Nilov, pexels.com

The post Examining Anti-Corruption Efforts: How Mexican Businesses are Addressing Compliance and Collaboration appeared first on Anti-Corruption & Governance Center.

This blog is part of a two-blog series discussing business integrity initiatives in Mexico. In this blog, we explore the journey of Mexican companies working towards a more compliant and ethical environment, highlighting their achievements and ongoing challenges.

In recent years, Mexico’s government and private sector have made progress in combating corruption by establishing the National Anti-Corruption System, enforcing compliance training for employees, and implementing whistleblowing channels. However, many challenges still remain. As President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum prepares for her first term, it will be essential for her to demonstrate a commitment to these initiatives, the rule of law, and creating an environment where democracy can thrive.

For additional insights about Mexico’s progress and ongoing barriers to a more transparent and accountable business environment, CIPE’s Anti-Corruption and Governance Center’s Program Associate Lydia Roeder spoke with CIPE Consultant Gabriela Blanco Munguia, a compliance and business integrity expert in Mexico. This interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity.

What are the key private sector compliance initiatives implemented in Mexico, and how are they enforced?

In Mexico, private sector compliance initiatives are gaining traction. Key efforts include developing and implementing robust compliance policies and adopting the ISO 37001 standard for anti-bribery management systems. This standard was designed by the International Organization for Standardization, a network of the national standards bodies in 171 different countries, to help organizations implement and maintain effective anti-bribery management systems and promote a culture of integrity, transparency, and compliance.

Embassies, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and other European Union countries, support these initiatives by providing resources to help enterprises implement these initiatives, which in turn helps attract more investment.

Additionally, larger companies now require companies within their supply chains to implement and showcase effective compliance systems. This promotes integrity within the company and extends ethical practices to suppliers, creating a ripple effect across the industry.

How does the Mexican government collaborate with international organizations and private sector actors to strengthen its compliance and business integrity efforts?

The Mexican government collaborates with international organizations and private sector actors mainly through initiatives led by the Ministry of Public Administration (Secretaría de la Función Pública, or SFP) and the National Anticorruption System (Sistema Nacional Anticorrupción, or SNA). The SNA is a comprehensive framework designed to coordinate efforts among government agencies, civil society, and the private sector to prevent, detect, and sanction corruption. Additionally, there are local efforts to create state compliance systems and local integrity certifications to promote ethical practices at the state level.

However, despite its robust framework, the SNA remains ineffective due to poor implementation and enforcement. While there are visible efforts at collaboration, these often lack concrete actions and follow-through, hindering effective compliance measures.

Are there any changes or obstacles hindering the effective implementation of these policies?

Several obstacles hinder the effective implementation of compliance policies in Mexico. One major issue is the lack of commitment from leadership to address corruption, as political interests often conflict with compliance efforts. Additionally, the weakening of the SNA has undermined government enforcement, creating exploitable gaps in the system.

Beyond these factors, several other challenges complicate the fight against corruption:

• Resistance to Change: Some executives or employees may see compliance and business integrity policies as an additional burden or threat.
• Lack of Resources: Many Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) feel that they lack the funds and time required to implement compliance programs and internal audits.
• Regulatory Frameworks: It is difficult for businesses to comply with all compliance laws, as they can be complex and vary by state.
• Supply Chains: Coordinating compliance efforts is complex in sectors with diverse supply chains due to market competition.
• Lack of Enforcement: Without strict enforcement, these robust policies and frameworks remain theoretical and ineffective.

How do Mexican businesses prioritize corporate governance practices to prevent corruption within their organizations?

Mexican businesses often prioritize corporate governance only when required by external entities or when preparing to go public. Despite recognizing the benefits, many hesitate due to the investment required or the short-term convenience of the status quo. There is a need for a broader understanding and integration of these practices across all sectors.

Although larger companies have set high standards for corporate governance, SMEs face more challenges. However, companies in sectors like industrial, information technology, and food industries are evolving, contributing to stronger corporate governance practices in Mexico.

What role do corporate boards and executives play in promoting ethical behavior and transparency?

Corporate boards and executives are key in promoting ethical behavior and transparency as they set the tone for compliance and business integrity initiatives. Greater awareness and sensitization are needed about these programs’ benefits, including their positive impact on organizational culture and reputation.

Prioritizing ethics and transparency at the board level can inspire a culture of integrity at all levels. Executives’ commitment to ethical practices sets a model for employees, influencing their behavior toward corruption and compliance. However, when top management does not fully commit, it can result in superficial “make-up” compliance programs that lack genuine effectiveness.

Stay tuned for the next blog in this series on business integrity initiatives in Mexico. In part two, we will explore more specific compliance measures and internal controls that companies are implementing and how these practices align with international compliance standards and best practices.

Image Credit: Mikhail Nilov, pexels.com

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