In the latest episode of "Implenia Talk", Steffi Männl, Global Head Compliance and Data Protection at Implenia, and Katja Gloor, board member of Transparency International Switzerland, discuss the controversial topic of fighting corruption. Listen in and find out more about the definition of corruption, the current situation in Switzerland and what a private company like Implenia is doing to prevent corruption from the outset.
Impressions
Abstract
Welcome to a new episode of the Implenia Talk podcast, where we dive into the topic of anti-corruption. Hosted by Natascha Mathyl, Corporate Communications Manager at Implenia, this episode offers exciting discussions and valuable insights and practical measures to fight corruption.
What is corruption? Corruption is the abuse of a position of trust in order to gain an advantage for oneself or a third party. Bribery is just one form of corruption, which also includes nepotism, conflicts of interest and abuse of office. (1:20 min.)
Corruption in Switzerland Katja Gloor from Transparency International Switzerland explains the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) and Switzerland's position in an international comparison. Although Switzerland is ranked 6th, there are still many challenges, especially in the public sector, such as nepotism and lobbying. (2:40 min.)
Corruption in the private sector The private sector in Switzerland is also affected by corruption. The interaction between the public and private sectors in particular harbors corruption risks. A study shows, for example, that one in three Swiss companies bribes abroad. (5:45 min.)
Measures to combat corruption Steffi Männl describes the dangers that companies face as a result of corruption: Companies that are at fault can be punished. In the worst case, they can be excluded from public and increasingly also private contracts. Implenia therefore takes numerous measures to prevent corruption. These include an effective compliance management system, training and clear behavioral guidelines such as the Code of Conduct and the Global Integrity Directive, but also specific purchasing directives, signature regulations, etc. (9:45 min.) She also underlines the importance of corporate management and the "tone from the top" for a culture of integrity and transparency. (10:50 min.)
Collaboration and responsibility Katja Gloor emphasizes the role of companies like Implenia, which have a special responsibility due to their size and market position and also have the means to fight corruption and promote a fair market environment. (12:30 min.) Cooperation with government agencies and international organizations such as Transparency International is also important here. (14:20 min.)
Future challenges Finally, the experts discuss the future challenges in the fight against corruption: political instability as a "fire accelerator", the growing importance of ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) as a positive development, digitalization and AI with opportunities and risks in this context. According to Katja Gloor, a company's ability to adapt is crucial to winning the fight against corruption: Organizations like Implenia must remain vigilant and continuously adapt to changing conditions. (16:30 min.)
Listen to this insightful episode of the Implenia Talk podcast and find out how corruption can be fought, what Implenia is already doing about it and what role every employee plays in this.
