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The TI Source Book 2000
The first version of this Source Book (now translated into over 20 languages) argued the case
for a “National Integrity System”, an holistic approach to transparency and accountability and
embracing a range of accountability “pillars”, democratic, judicial, media and civil society. The
expression has since passed into common usage in development circles, and the argument for
an holistic approach to anti-corruption efforts has similarly achieved a widespread consensus.
But anti-corruption success stories remain largely elusive.
 TI Source Book 2000
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US Committee on Oversight and Government Reform
According to President Bush, combating comrption in Iraq is a cornerstone of U.S. policy. In 2005, President Bush stated: "Comrption is a problem at both the national and local levels of the Iraqi government. V/e will not tolerate fraud - so our embassy in Baghdad is helping to demand transparency and accountability for the money being invested in reconstruction. ... [T]he Iraqi people expect money to be spent openly and honestly - and so do the American people." He reiterated this commitmentin2006, stating: "We'll help Iraqi leaders combat comrption ... so Iraqis can build a transparent, accountable govemment."
US Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Memorandum Report
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Code of Ethics & Standards of Conduct
CODE OF ETHICS
I do hereby commit myself to the highest ethical and professional conduct and agree:
• to accept responsibility in making business decisions consistent with the safety and welfare of the public , and to disclose promptly factors that might endanger the public;
• to avoid real or perceived conflicts of interest whenever possible, and to disclose them to affected parties when they do exist;
• to be honest and realistic in stating claims or estimates based on available data ;
• to reject bribery in all of its forms ;
• to inform the client of the level of fitness and suitability of the product for his or her own purposes ;
• to seek , accept , and offer honest criticism of business work , to acknowledge and correct errors , and to credit properly the contributions of others;
to assist colleagues and co-workers of each member in their professional development and to support them in following this code of ethics.
Code of Ethics
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The Challenge of Renovation
Corruption appears to be increasing, despite a growing number of empirical evidence as to the destructive forces it unleashes. When important decisions are determined by ulterior motives with no concern for the consequences for the state and the wider community, the political, economic and social costs are high. Corruption control is therefore not simply an end in itself but is crucial and instrumental in reaching the broader goal of more effective, fair and efficient government for the benefit of all.
The Challenge of Renovation
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The Anatomy of Corruption
Corruption involves behaviour on the part of public officials--be they elected politicians or appointed civil servants--in which they improperly and unlawfully enrich themselves or those close to them, by the misuse of the power entrusted to them. Although the causes of corruption and the forms it takes vary depending on the respective system and context, corruption invariably impacts negatively on the great majority of society.
The Anatomy of Corruption
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Developing Responses
The fight against corruption is demanding, as change must not only be achieved, but be sustainable. Complete eradication is both unrealistic and undesirable: unrealistic, as corrupt individuals will always be with us, and undesirable, as to aim at complete elimination of corruption could place civil and political human rights at risk. The need to overcome vested interests, as well as the difficulty of finding credible reformers and of ensuring the support of a wide coalition of stakeholders is a task that should not be under estimated. Reform must attract broad support and involve strategies to deal with the legacy of the past. Systemic change is essential, as merely replacing one corrupt individual with another who has not (yet) been corrupted, is not an effective response. "Horizontal accountability" offers the best overall system of checks and balances.
Developing Responses
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The National Integrity System
The National Integrity System is the sum total of the institutions and practices within a given country that address aspects of maintaining the honesty and integrity of government and private sector institutions. Any attempt to address corruption effectively and sustainably involves an holistic approach, examining each of these institutions and practices and the various inter-relationships to determine where remedial action is required. Ad hoc reforms are unlikely to succeed.
The National Integrity System
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Building Political Will
Leadership is critical in both driving a reform programme and in leading by example. However, electing a honest head of state or government does not necessarily guarantee the launch and implementation of an effective reform programme: support from a broad section of society is critical to its success, or failure. Champions of reform must muster committment from a wide variety of constituencies. The task of building political will can begin at the grassroots, and does not end with the government embarking on reforms. Reforms must be supported through the often difficult times that lie ahead.
Building Political Will
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