01. Aug 2023

The important information about the standard

ISO 37001 – what you need to know

ISO 37001 is an internationally recognized standard that deals with anti-corruption management systems. It was developed to help companies and organizations implement effective measures to prevent, detect and combat corruption.

The standard covers the public, private and non-profit sectors and addresses all forms of bribery and corruption, regardless of financial or non-financial benefits.

In a commentary, qualityaustria expert Claudia Kerpe, MSc, Head of HR, Product-Management Compliance and Anti-Corruption, reports on current trends and necessities:

The origin of all anti-corruption movements is the OECD Convention (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development), which was signed in 1997 and which has now undergone a revision.

Status quo - where are we today?

Currently, there are 2,896 certificates for ISO 37001 at a total of 5,969 sites worldwide, according to the ISO Survey 2021. The standard has been certified frequently, particularly in countries such as Brazil, Italy and Indonesia, as well as in industries such as construction, services and public administration.

What is the problem – why does it need a discussion about the topic?

Corruption has far-reaching effects on society and the economy. It impairs fair competition, weakens business efficiency and undermines society's overall trust in institutions. Economically, corruption wastes and threatens national prosperity, as resources are channelled into projects that benefit only individuals rather than the common good. Moreover, corruption affects the social fabric by shaking people's trust in political systems and decision-makers. The environment also suffers from corrupt structures, as important environmental protection measures cannot be implemented and natural resources are wasted.

Pain Points - how can you make a difference?

The introduction and implementation of ISO 37001 can present challenges for organizations. Clear management support, commitment and engagement is essential to ensure successful implementation in operations. In addition, creating a corporate culture that rejects corruption is essential. Effective control mechanisms are needed to ensure compliance with the standard. A compliance or anti-bribery officer is critical to the success of the anti-corruption management system. Likewise, clear guidelines must be set up and training sessions for employees must be organized to clarify the impact of the new rules on their day-to-day work. A whistleblowing alert system makes it possible to detect and sanction violations of the guidelines, while ensuring confidentiality and anonymity.

In summary, the implementation of ISO 37001 is an important measure to combat corruption in companies and organizations. It requires a clear commitment from senior management, a corresponding corporate culture, clear guidelines, training and effective control mechanisms to successfully combat corruption in the long term and ensure management with integrity.