# Working Paper 03/2008: Using the OECD Guidelines to Tackle Corporate Corruption URL: https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/working-paper-03-2008-using-the-oecd-guidelines-to-tackle-corporate-corrupt Type: Publication or report Published: 2008-05-19 Updated: 2020-04-03 --- 19 May 2008 The Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, adopted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), are a set of social, labour, environmental and anti- corruption standards developed for transnational companies. A total of 40 nations — 30 OECD governments and 10 non- member states — have endorsed them as a basic component of responsible corporate conduct for multinational enterprises (MNEs) that are based in or operating from their territories. While the Guidelines are voluntary for companies, they have been useful for promoting corporate accountability. Adhering governments are bound by inter-governmental agreement to respond to complaints arising from alleged violations. Civil society has effectively used the Guidelines to draw attention to such irresponsible behaviour and trigger corrective actions. ### Related publications ## [Enabler Accountability: Assessing Measures Taken against Professionals Implicated in Cases of Illicit Financial Flows from Africa](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/enabler-accountability-illicit-financial-flows-africa) Publication • 31 March 2026 How often are enablers of illicit financial flows held to account? We examine criminal and administrative action, enforcement gaps and priorities for reform. ## [Digital disclosure of political finance in Africa, Asia and the Pacific, and Latin America and the Caribbean](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/digital-disclosure-political-finance-africa-asia-pacific-latin-america-caribbean) Publication • 06 November 2025 This study reviews the approaches to digital disclosure of political party and candidate finance in three regions. ## [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… ## [Public Loans, Private Gains: Addressing corruption across the debt cycle](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/public-loans-private-gains-addressing-corruption-across-the-debt-cycle) Publication • 04 September 2025 This working paper explores how corruption risks permeate every stage of the sovereign debt cycle – from contracting and management to restructuring. ![](https://images.transparencycdn.org/images/2008_3_Working_Paper_OECD_Guidelines_EN.jpg?auto=compress&fit=crop&fm=webp&w=1200) [Download](https://images.transparencycdn.org/images/WP_OECD_03-2008_9_May_2008.pdf)