Integrity and transparency needed to cure corruption in business

Johnson and Johnson's massive US$2.2 billion payment to settle allegations in the US, that included alleged sweeteners to doctors, mirrors similar investigations in China of GlaxoSmithKline.

When broadly similar problems arise in different parts of the world, under different legislative frameworks, it is hard not to conclude that corruption remains a serious challenge in the private sector.

Businesses are the financial backbone of our societies, we need them profitable and employing people, but it should not come at the expense of integrity, fairness and transparency. These words need to be made meaningful by direct deeds. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime is helping to breathe life into these concepts by promoting the UN Convention against Corruption as the foundation for everyone's anti-corruption efforts.

Anti-corruption investigations are more than just painful medicine: they represent an opportunity for the renewal of credibility and reputations and a genuine change in practices and culture.

Siemens has provided an excellent example of how to confront a corruption scandal head-on. The company and various subsidiaries were found to be engaged in widespread bribery in many countries over a number of years. Bribes totalling US$1.4 billion were made to various government officials. On learning of these troubling practices worldwide, there was no immediate attempt by Siemens to investigate or discipline those engaged in these activities.

However, since those bleak days, the company's turnaround has been impressive. Siemens replaced senior management with individuals with strong governance and compliance backgrounds. Today, the company is a front runner in establishing integrity and invests in anti-corruption programmes, including those run by UNODC.