Business principles for countering bribery: Small and medium enterprise (SME) edition

To cater for the needs of smaller businesses, we produced an edition of the Business Principles for Countering Bribery tailored to small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). More than 95 per cent of the world’s business is carried out by SMEs which may not have the same human and financial resources as larger companies, yet are just as vulnerable to the risks of bribery.

The SME Edition includes model anti-bribery principles for companies with fewer resources of time, money and people. It also provides practical guidance for developing anti-bribery programmes that suit the size and structure of smaller enterprises.

The SME Edition isn't only for smaller firms: it can also be used by larger companies to encourage SMEs in their supply chain to implement no-bribe policies and practices.

Much of the world’s business is carried out by small and medium enterprises, especially in emerging economies. This edition recognises that SMEs in many societies are frequently confronted with the problem of bribery. As smaller companies with limited resources SMEs face challenges in resisting and countering such pressures. Also, there are growing requirements made by large international companies for their suppliers to show evidence they have appropriate anti-bribery policies and systems in place. This edition aims to set out in a clear and direct manner the process by which smaller businesses can develop an anti-bribery programme relevant to their size and resources. Countering bribery is good business practice. It can help build reputation, especially with customers, and it can reduce risks. By building strong anti-bribery cultures SMEs can successfully challenge and resist bribery.