Transparency International, an anti-corruption organisation has released results of a survey in relation to corruption and bribery which spans over 107 countries and questioned 114,000 people, of which 27% admitted to having paid a bribe in the last 12 months. The percentage of those from the UK who had paid a bribe was less than the average, at 5% (which would still equate to some 2.5million adults!)
This survey worryingly highlights that 65% of the UK public perceive that corruption has increased in the UK over the last two years and the worldwide perception is not any more favourable, with only 22% of those questioned indicating that they felt that their government had made effective efforts to fight corruption. Public perception seems to be a key concern in the findings, particularly as the police, the judiciary and political parties rate highly as bodies that are seen to be prone to bribery and corruption across the world.
However, on a more positive note, the survey also revealed that two thirds of those questioned who had been in a situation where a bribe was requested, refused to pay such a bribe. 91% of those questioned from the UK also indicated that they would be willing to take some form of positive action to get involved in the fight against corruption, which shows public support in bringing an end to corrupt practices.
Despite the willingness of individuals to fight corruption, in light of these findings, it will be important for organisations to try to dispel the negative public perception held in relation to corruption and to demonstrate that they also are willing to fight against corruption in their sectors.
