Browse topics
Corruption is a problem that affects many sectors of the country, but anyone who thinks that it only affects the public sector and that anti-corruption tools aren't necessary is mistaken.
Corrupt acts can also happen in companies. That's why it's important to understand and adopt anti-corruption measures, such as the integrity test.
In this post, check out the definition of corruption and see how it affects a company. You'll also learn how integrity testing is the ideal tool for fighting it. Happy reading!
What is corruption and how does it affect your company?
According to the Michaelis dictionaryCorruption is the "act or result of corrupting". It is also linked to the adulteration of something, as well as bribery to gain an advantage.
It is therefore quite common in the public sector, but also appears in different sectors of the private economy.
Unfortunately, Brazil doesn't have the best corruption record. According to the Corruption Perception Index 2023According to a study carried out by Transparency International, the country will fall from 38 to 36 points in 2023.
To combat this type of scenario, one measure implemented is the Anti-Corruption Law, or Law No. 12,846 of August 1, 2013.
It seeks to prevent and punish corrupt acts by legal entities against the national and foreign public administration. Thus, depending on the criteria for the sanction, the fine can be set between R$6mil and R$60 million.
In the internal environment, companies also have to deal with different corruption risks, such as:
Bribery
Bribery is one of the most common practices and can occur in different ways. For example, when an employee offers a gift to get a colleague to perform an action, and the colleague accepts.
It is also punishable by the mere fact that a person requests or offers the bribe, even if the other party does not agree.
Thus, this practice leads to damage to the company's reputation, loss of trust from its own employees and investors. In addition to favoring a corrupt environment, even in small actions.
Fraud
With a focus on financial advantages, fraud involves corrupt acts that result in gains for one's own benefit, such as embezzlement. This can be done by falsifying data, bribing for access to information, hacking into systems and various other harmful acts.
Whether it involves one or more people, fraud also results in financial damage for the company and its investors, putting its credibility and existence at risk.
Conflict of interest
A type of corruption that can be "subtle", conflict happens when a person has an interest in something that influences their work and decisions.
For example, a team leader who promotes his girlfriend or friend to a position without the person having the necessary requirements.
The result not only involves manipulation and gaining advantages, which can lead to other acts of corruption. It also influences the loss of credibility of the professional and the company, especially in the eyes of the employees themselves.
How does integrity testing combat corruption?
There are various anti-corruption tools, such as a whistleblowing channel and internal auditing. For prevention, however, the best is the integrity test.
It is applied in selection processes, whether for hiring a new employee or promoting someone. It is able to identify a person's behavior, which can result in corrupt actions.
For example, when asked if they think it's right to pass someone over or speed up a process. Regardless of the method, it is possible to identify tendencies favorable to corruption.
This way, the manager can better analyze these candidates and choose someone for the job who is not likely to commit corrupt acts. In this way, future problems can be prevented.
Corruption is a serious and complicated issue in Brazil. After all, we don't occupy the best positions in credibility rankings. It is therefore important to implement anti-corruption measures, even in companies.
After all, various acts that take place within them, such as bribery and fraud, contribute to a corrupt environment and have negative consequences.
For this reason, applying the integrity test is the best way to prevent this problem, making a more reliable selection of leaders and professionals who will take up positions in your organization.
