# Business integrity URL: https://www.transparency.org/en/our-priorities/business-and-corruption Type: Priority topic Published: 2020-03-12 Updated: 2025-02-05 --- ![](https://images.transparencycdn.org/images/floriane-vita-FyD3OWBuXnY-unsplash.jpg?auto=compress&fit=crop&fm=webp&w=1200) Photo: Floriane Vita / unspash.com In a world where capital, goods and services flow globally but most laws still stop at national borders, coordinated cross-border government action is required to hold companies accountable. This lack of accountability puts multinational companies, including global service and supply networks in a powerful position, which can lead to undue influence on political decision-making and policies. Such influence may result in tailored legislation and create unfair advantages for certain companies or particular industries as a whole. ## How does it affect you? Business corruption has a negative impact on societies and economies. When doing business takes place outside the rule of law it erodes confidence in public institutions, harms prosperity, equal access to resources, freedom and safety. Business corruption takes many forms, with profound effects for the lives and wellbeing of people everywhere. Companies pay bribes or exercise undue influence through their corporate political engagement in order to win public or private procurement contracts and obtain business licenses, avoid contractual terms and conditions, ignore legal requirements and avoid enforcement. The negative impacts of business corruption are manifold and devastating which may include: - Inflated prices on public and private contracts, and ultimately consumer goods, reducing wealth and prosperity; - Breach of health, safety and environmental laws leading to environmental damage, and even human rights abuses; - Tax avoidance and illicit financial flows through establishing subsidiaries in tax havens, and laundering the proceeds of illicit activities through opaque corporate ownership structures, which eventually undermine investment in and access to critical services such as healthcare and education. Tax-dodging corporations cost states hundreds of billions of dollars every year, while overpriced public contracts further drain state treasuries of vital funds. Private sector corruption affects all countries, even those that have a strong rule of law and effective institutions. Integrity at home does not always translate into integrity abroad. Companies based in countries that score high on the Corruption Perception Index have been implicated in multiple large- scale corruption and money-laundering scandals - evidence that a relatively clean public sector is not enough to effectively tackle corruption in all its forms. ![Freight airplane flying above the overseas shipping container](https://images.transparencycdn.org/images/CPI-2022-TATT-Exporting-corruption.jpg?auto=compress&fit=crop&fm=webp&w=1200) ### [Report: Exporting Corruption Progress Report 2022](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/exporting-corruption-2022) Our independent assessment of the enforcement of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Anti-Bribery Convention. [Read more](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/exporting-corruption-2022) ![Corruption Perceptions Index 2023 Map](https://images.transparencycdn.org/images/CPI2023_Map_EN.jpg?auto=compress&fit=crop&fm=webp&w=1200) ### [Data: Corruption Perceptions Index](https://www.transparency.org/en/cpi) The CPI scores and ranks countries/territories based on how corrupt a country’s public sector is perceived to be by experts and business executives. [Read more](https://www.transparency.org/en/cpi) ## What needs to be done? A global problem requires a global solution. While national governments need to constantly improve and enforce existing anti-corruption legislation and international anti-bribery and anti-corruption conventions designed to hold companies accountable for their actions, international organisations need to insist on the seamless and consistent implementation of consistent global anti-corruption standards, e.g. through the inclusion of anti-bribery and anti-corruption safeguards in international trade agreements, economic stimulus and loan packages among others. Companies must adhere to these laws and take internal steps to prevent corruption. As a minimum first step, a zero-tolerance policy towards bribery and corruption is needed and should be enforced. Furthermore, companies need to embed an anti-corruption and purpose-driven business culture within their organisations. As role models, multinational corporations need to aspire to change the business environment in a positive manner. To demonstrate progress, these companies should report their actions and respective key performance indicators to show all of their stakeholders, including their employees, investors, communities and consumers that they are committed to integrity in an open and transparent manner. With a properly regulated and honest operating environment that increases transparency, we can work towards a business sector free of corruption. ## What are we doing? Efforts to tackle private sector corruption require the engagement of multiple stakeholders. Transparency International fosters coalitions of governments, public institutions, businesses and civil society to advocate for a stronger and more effective anti-corruption environment. To create a level playing field and the highest standards of ethics and good practice, we cooperate with companies and business associations. ![](https://images.transparencycdn.org/images/freddie-collins-uXWPg9uMwt8-unsplash.jpg?auto=compress&fit=crop&fm=webp&w=1200) ### [Business Integrity Programme](https://www.transparency.org/en/projects/bip) Our research on private sector corruption and reports on the transparency of businesses provide the evidence base for action. This assists in the development of standards and tools for combatting corruption, and enables citizens, investors, employees and other stakeholders to hold businesses accountable for their activity. [Know more](https://www.transparency.org/en/projects/bip) ### Our research standards assist companies in the development and implementation of anti-corruption programmes: [Business Principles: Countering Bribery](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/business-principles-for-countering-bribery) [Business Integrity country agenda](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/business-integrity-country-agenda-bica-conceptual-framework-for-a-bica-asse) [Transparency in Corporate Reporting](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/transparency-in-corporate-reporting-assessing-emerging-market-multinat) [BUSINESS INTEGRITY Toolkit](https://www.transparency.org/en/toolkits/business) [Anti-Corruption Principles for State-Owned Enterprises](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/10-anti-corruption-principles-for-state-owned-enterprises) ## Find out more about our work ### News [+ More](https://www.transparency.org/en/search/filter?priority=business-and-corruption&type=newsPost) ## [Integrity Pacts: A blueprint for safeguarding public investments in sustainable development](https://www.transparency.org/en/news/integrity-pacts-blueprint-for-safeguarding-public-investments-sustainable-development) News • 17 December 2024 Discover how Integrity Pacts foster transparency, accountability, and good governance in public procurement, driving sustainable development worldwide. ## [CPI 2020: Trouble at the top – An analysis](https://www.transparency.org/en/news/cpi-2020-trouble-at-the-top) News • 28 January 2021 The last year has again shown that no country is immune from corruption. ## [If we want a less corrupt and more equitable world after the COVID-19 pandemic, we must plan for it](https://www.transparency.org/en/news/if-we-want-a-less-corrupt-and-more-equitable-world-after-the-covid-19-pandemic-we-must-plan-for-it) News • 29 May 2020 ## [Clearing the smokescreen: The deadly consequences of undue influence](https://www.transparency.org/en/news/tobacco-smokescreen-deadly-consequences-of-undue-influence) News • 13 March 2020 New investigations reveal back-room deals and secretive campaigns involving the tobacco industry are far from being a thing of the past. ### Publications [+ More](https://www.transparency.org/en/search/filter?priority=business-and-corruption&type=publication) ## [Annual Report 2025](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/annual-report-2025) Publication • 17 July 2026 In 2025, Transparency International pursued its mission to stop corruption and promote transparency, accountability and integrity at all levels and across all sectors of society. ## [The role of business in fighting impunity and corruption to protect environmental defenders](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/the-role-of-business-in-fighting-impunity-and-corruption-to-protect-environmental-defenders) Publication • 20 October 2025 The paper offers a roadmap for action, urging businesses, policymakers, and investors to embed integrity beyond compliance and strengthen protections for defenders and… ## [The Integrity Pact – Harnessing collective action for good governance and business integrity in public procurement](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/integrity-pact-collective-action-good-governance-business-integrity-public-procurement) Publication • 16 December 2024 The publication provides a blueprint for the implementation of the Integrity Pact to safeguard high-value public procurements and investments. ## [Business integrity: A toolkit for medium-sized enterprises](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/business-integrity-toolkit-for-medium-sized-enterprises) Publication • 07 November 2024 Small and medium-sized enterprises fuel supply chains but face corruption risks. This toolkit helps embed integrity with practical anti-corruption guidance. ### Projects [+ More](https://www.transparency.org/en/search/filter?priority=business-and-corruption&type=project) ## [Business Integrity Programme](https://www.transparency.org/en/projects/bip) Project We work with governments, businesses and in coalitions to drive the anti-corruption agenda in the private sector, globally. ## [Strengthening enforcement of the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention](https://www.transparency.org/en/projects/strengthening-enforcement-of-the-oecd-anti-bribery-convention-1) Project ## [Integrity pact – A global standard for safeguarding strategic public investments](https://www.transparency.org/en/projects/integrity-pact-global-standard) Project We're working on updating the integrity pact to better reflect the evolution of public contracting practices in the 21st century and calling for its consistent application on… ### Blog posts [+ More](https://www.transparency.org/en/search/filter?priority=business-and-corruption&type=blogPost) [## Making multilateralism great again: What we learned in Sevilla Maíra Martini 09 July 2025](https://www.transparency.org/en/blog/making-multilateralism-great-again "Making multilateralism great again: What we learned in Sevilla") [## Funding a fairer future: The role of transparency in financing for development Transparency Int'l 14 January 2025](https://www.transparency.org/en/blog/funding-fairer-future-role-of-transparency-financing-for-development "Funding a fairer future: The role of transparency in financing for development") [## COVID-19 – A test for business integrity? Britta Niemeyer 22 January 2021](https://www.transparency.org/en/blog/covid-19-test-for-business-integrity-davos-agenda "COVID-19 – A test for business integrity?") [## Spooky corporate taxes Transparency Int'l 30 October 2020](https://www.transparency.org/en/blog/spooky-corporate-taxes-banks "Spooky corporate taxes") ### Press releases [+ More](https://www.transparency.org/en/search/filter?priority=business-and-corruption&type=pressRelease) ## [Over 1000 Namibian workers seek landmark victim status in Iceland Fishrot case with Transparency International support](https://www.transparency.org/en/press/over-1000-namibian-workers-seek-landmark-victim-status-in-iceland-fishrot-case-with-transparency-international-support) Press • 10 July 2026 ## [Garífuna lands seized for palm oil ahead of COP30](https://www.transparency.org/en/press/gar%C3%ADfuna-lands-seized-for-palm-oil-ahead-of-cop30) Press • 07 November 2025 ## [Transparency International calls for accountability in Madagascar’s lychee market](https://www.transparency.org/en/press/transparency-international-calls-for-accountability-in-madagascars-lychee-market) Press • 10 November 2022 ## [Germany: State government conceals Gazprom's connection to its controversial environmental foundation](https://www.transparency.org/en/press/germany-state-government-conceals-gazprom-connection-controversial-environmental-foundation-beneficial-ownership) Press • 16 February 2022 ## Explore all priorities - [Asset recovery and the theft of public money](https://www.transparency.org/en/our-priorities/asset-recovery-and-the-theft-of-public-money) - [Business integrity](https://www.transparency.org/en/our-priorities/business-and-corruption) - [Climate crisis](https://www.transparency.org/en/our-priorities/climate-crisis) - [Defence and security](https://www.transparency.org/en/our-priorities/defence-and-security) - [Dirty money](https://www.transparency.org/en/our-priorities/dirty-money) - [Extractive industries](https://www.transparency.org/en/our-priorities/extractive-industries) - [Foreign bribery enforcement](https://www.transparency.org/en/our-priorities/foreign-bribery-enforcement) - [Gender](https://www.transparency.org/en/our-priorities/gender-and-corruption) - [Grand corruption](https://www.transparency.org/en/our-priorities/grand-corruption) - [Health](https://www.transparency.org/en/our-priorities/health-and-corruption) - [Judiciary and law enforcement](https://www.transparency.org/en/our-priorities/judiciary-and-law-enforcement) - [Land corruption](https://www.transparency.org/en/our-priorities/land-corruption) - [Political integrity](https://www.transparency.org/en/our-priorities/political-integrity) - [Public procurement](https://www.transparency.org/en/our-priorities/public-procurement) - [Right to information](https://www.transparency.org/en/our-priorities/right-to-information) - [Sustainable Development Goals](https://www.transparency.org/en/our-priorities/sustainable-development-goals) - [Whistleblowing](https://www.transparency.org/en/our-priorities/whistleblowing) Asset recovery and the theft of public money Business integrity Climate crisis Defence and security Dirty money Extractive industries Foreign bribery enforcement Gender Grand corruption Health Judiciary and law enforcement Land corruption Political integrity Public procurement Right to information Sustainable Development Goals Whistleblowing