Corporate Governance and Anti-Corruption Practices

Corporate governance encompasses the systems, principles and processes by which companies are directed and controlled, ensuring that decision-making aligns with the interests of shareholders, stakeholders and the broader public good. Robust governance frameworks foster accountability, transparency and ethical conduct, thereby reducing opportunities for illicit behaviour. Anti-corruption practices form a vital component of this framework, comprising policies, procedures and controls designed to prevent bribery, fraud and other corrupt acts. These measures include clear codes of conduct, risk assessments, reporting mechanisms such as whistle-blowing hotlines, and regular audits. Effective governance and anti-corruption initiatives often draw on multiple theoretical perspectives—including agency, stakeholder and legitimacy theories—to balance the motivations of management with societal expectations. Globally, such practices underpin market integrity, enhance investor confidence and support sustainable development by deterring rent-seeking and promoting fair competition across jurisdictions.

Research from Nature Portfolio

No recent Nature Portfolio content available.

Corporate Governance and Anti-Corruption Practices publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in corporate governance and anti-corruption practices across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Board independence: A governance characteristic in which directors have no material or familial ties to executive management, supporting impartial oversight.

Anti-corruption disclosure: The provision of information by companies regarding policies, procedures and outcomes related to the prevention of corrupt practices.

Corporate social responsibility (CSR): A voluntary framework through which companies integrate social, environmental and ethical concerns into their business operations and stakeholder interactions.

Stakeholder theory: A model positing that organisations should create value for all parties affected by business activities, not solely shareholders, to maintain legitimacy and long-term success.

References

1. What drives firms' commitment to fighting corruption? Evidence from the UK. Journal of International Financial Management and Accounting (2023).
2. Do corporate anti-bribery and corruption commitments enhance environmental management performance? The moderating role of corporate social responsibility accountability and executive compensation governance. Journal of Environmental Management (2023).
3. Assessing the Anti-Corruption Disclosure Practices in the UK FTSE 100 Extractive Firms. Sustainability (2023).