What is Corruption: Anti-Corruption and Compliance from Coursera

Have you ever paid someone for doing you a favor?

You may be accustomed to tipping wait staff or other service providers, but what if you paid a police officer for NOT issuing a parking ticket? Or if you gave a “gift” to a government official for signing a contract with your company? Tipping might be okay, but paying a bribe is a violation of the law.

Bribery is widespread and exists almost everywhere and in many forms. Compliance programs address this and other forms of corruption.

In this course we’ll discuss what corruption actually is by examining, for example, the difference between a tip and an illegal bribe. We will examine where corruption exists, how it exists, its ramifications, and the genesis of today’s anti-corruption laws. We’ll also focus on practical strategies for creating compliance policies and procedures that address and prevent corruption.

We will learn about the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the UK Bribery Act, and many other anti-corruption laws. Much of the course will focus on building out compliance policies and procedures that address corruption. We will also look at practical methods for preventing corruption in an organization as well as red flags and other mechanisms for identifying corruption early so that it can be adequately addressed.

What's inside

Syllabus

Corruption - What is it? Where is it?

What is corruption? Why does it exist? Where does it exist? We begin this course by answering those important threshold questions.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Develops deep expertise in identifying and preventing corruption, which is a critical issue in businesses and organizations today

Examines the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and UK Bribery Act, which are highly relevant laws in various jurisdictions

Taught by Andrew Kandel, an expert in business ethics and compliance with a strong reputation in the field

Provides practical strategies for creating compliance policies and procedures, which is essential for preventing corruption in organizations

Explores the different forms of corruption, including bribery, extortion, and kickbacks, providing a comprehensive overview of this crucial topic

Teaches the skills and knowledge necessary to identify and prevent corruption, empowering learners to combat this widespread issue

Reviews summary

Anti-corruption and compliance course review

According to learners, this course provides a solid foundation in anti-corruption and compliance, particularly for working professionals. Students found the explanations of key laws like the FCPA and UK Bribery Act clear and appreciated the focus on practical compliance strategies and implementing programs. The course structure is well-organized and the instructor's delivery engaging for many. However, some reviewers noted that while a great starting point, it might lack sufficient depth or detailed case studies for more experienced practitioners.

Lectures are clear and well-delivered.

"...the instructor explains complex topics clearly."

"The instructor's delivery is engaging."

"The lectures were clear."

Explains key anti-corruption laws well.

"...in anti-corruption laws like the FCPA and UK Bribery Act. The instructor explains complex topics clearly."

"Covers the main laws and concepts."

"The modules on FCPA and UK Bribery Act were informative."

Covers practical compliance strategies.

"We’ll also focus on practical strategies for creating compliance policies and procedures..."

"The information on implementing compliance programs is particularly valuable..."

"Much of the course will focus on building out compliance policies and procedures..."

"The content on compliance policies was practical."

Provides a solid base in key concepts and laws.

"An excellent course for professionals needing a solid foundation in anti-corruption laws..."

"Good overview of corruption and compliance. Covers the main laws and concepts."

"Solid course for understanding the basics of corruption and the key legal frameworks."

"Provides a strong foundation in anti-corruption. Useful for understanding the legal landscape and compliance principles."

Highly applicable for compliance roles and professionals.

"...The information on implementing compliance programs is particularly valuable for my work in a multinational corporation."

"Fantastic course! It's comprehensive, easy to follow, and directly applicable to my compliance role. A must for anyone in compliance."

"Highly relevant."

"Useful for understanding the legal landscape and compliance principles."

Better suited for intros than advanced learners.

"The course gives a decent introduction but doesn't go into enough depth on certain specific industry challenges or advanced compliance techniques."

"Useful as a starting point, but not sufficient for experienced practitioners."

"I would have liked more real-world case studies."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in What is Corruption: Anti-Corruption and Compliance with these activities:

Complete the UNODC e4j Anti-Corruption E-Learning Course

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Gain a comprehensive understanding of corruption prevention and combating techniques from a global perspective.

Browse courses on Anti-Corruption

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Register for the UNODC e4j Anti-Corruption E-Learning Course.
Complete all modules of the course at your own pace.

Attend a Local Anti-Corruption Conference or Workshop

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Engage with experts and practitioners in the field to gain insights and expand your professional network.

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Identify and register for a relevant anti-corruption conference or workshop in your area.
Attend the event and actively participate in discussions.

Volunteer with a Non-Profit Organization Focused on Anti-Corruption

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Contribute to real-world efforts to combat corruption and gain practical experience.

Browse courses on Non-Profit

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Identify non-profit organizations in your area that focus on anti-corruption.
Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.

Six other activities

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Show all nine activities

Create flashcards

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Create a set of flashcards that contain key terms and concepts from the course. This will help you memorize important information and improve your understanding of the material.

Browse courses on Corruption

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Identify the key terms and concepts from the course.
Write each term or concept on a separate flashcard.
Add a definition or explanation to the back of each card.

Review Transparency International’s The Global Corruption Report

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Examine the causes and effects of corruption from an international perspective.

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Read Chapters 1-3 of the book which will provide an overview of the causes and effects of corruption.
Review industry specific case studies that highlight the costs and consequences of corruption.

Develop a Code of Business Ethics for a Sample Organization

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Develop a concrete understanding of the elements and best practices of a Code of Business Ethics.

Browse courses on Organizational Policies

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Research existing Codes of Business Ethics and industry best practices.
Draft a Code of Business Ethics for a sample organization.
Include provisions to prevent and address corruption.

Practice Identifying Red Flags of Corruption

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Enhance your ability to detect and report potential corruption in various scenarios.

Browse courses on Red Flags

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Review case studies and examples of common red flags of corruption.
Conduct mock investigations to identify red flags in hypothetical scenarios.

Create an Infographic on the Impact of Corruption

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Communicate the complex effects of corruption in a visually engaging and accessible format.

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Gather data and statistics on the impact of corruption.
Design and create an infographic using a tool like Canva or Piktochart.

Participate in an Anti-Corruption Case Study Competition

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Sharpen your analytical and problem-solving skills by tackling real-world corruption scenarios.

Browse courses on Case study

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Identify and register for an anti-corruption case study competition.
Work in a team to analyze a case study and develop a comprehensive solution.

Career center

Learners who complete What is Corruption: Anti-Corruption and Compliance will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Compliance Officer

Compliance Officers ensure that organizations adhere to laws, regulations, and ethical standards. The course provides a thorough understanding of anti-corruption laws, compliance programs, and strategies for preventing corruption, making it highly relevant for this role. By completing this course, individuals can enhance their knowledge of the legal and ethical frameworks surrounding compliance, enabling them to effectively design and implement compliance programs that mitigate corruption risks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Compliance Officer

Anti-Corruption Specialist

Anti-Corruption Specialists are responsible for developing and implementing anti-corruption policies and procedures, conducting risk assessments, and investigating potential corruption incidents. This course offers a deep dive into the nature of corruption, anti-corruption laws, and compliance programs, providing essential knowledge for professionals in this field. It enables them to stay up-to-date with the latest regulations and best practices, enhancing their ability to combat corruption effectively.

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Forensic Accountant

Forensic Accountants investigate financial crimes, including corruption and money laundering. This course provides a comprehensive overview of corruption, its forms, and detection methods, which is crucial for Forensic Accountants. By gaining insights into anti-corruption laws and compliance programs, they can effectively analyze financial data, identify suspicious transactions, and assist in investigations related to corruption.

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Internal Auditor

Internal Auditors assess an organization's internal controls and compliance with regulations. This course equips individuals with a solid understanding of anti-corruption laws and compliance programs, enabling them to conduct effective audits and identify areas of vulnerability. Internal Auditors can leverage the knowledge gained from this course to enhance their ability to detect and prevent corruption within organizations.

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Risk Manager

Risk Managers identify, assess, and mitigate risks facing organizations. This course offers valuable insights into corruption risks and their impact on organizations. By understanding the different forms of corruption, anti-corruption laws, and compliance programs, Risk Managers can develop comprehensive risk management strategies that address corruption-related threats effectively.

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Ethics and Compliance Manager

Ethics and Compliance Managers oversee an organization's ethical and compliance programs. This course provides a comprehensive foundation in anti-corruption laws, compliance programs, and ethical decision-making, equipping individuals to effectively lead and manage ethics and compliance functions within organizations.

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Legal Counsel

Legal Counsel provides legal advice to organizations on various matters, including compliance with anti-corruption laws. This course offers a thorough understanding of the legal framework surrounding corruption, enabling Legal Counsel to provide informed guidance on compliance issues and represent organizations in legal proceedings related to corruption.

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Government Relations Manager

Government Relations Managers interact with government agencies to advocate for their organizations' interests. This course provides insights into the role of anti-corruption laws in government interactions, enabling Government Relations Managers to navigate the legal landscape effectively. By understanding the principles of anti-corruption, they can build stronger relationships with government officials and ensure compliance with regulations.

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Compliance Analyst

Compliance Analysts monitor and analyze an organization's compliance with laws and regulations. This course offers a solid foundation in anti-corruption laws and compliance programs, enabling Compliance Analysts to effectively review documentation, conduct risk assessments, and identify potential compliance issues related to corruption.

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Sustainability Manager

Sustainability Managers oversee an organization's environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance. This course provides insights into the relationship between corruption and sustainability, enabling Sustainability Managers to integrate anti-corruption measures into their sustainability strategies. By understanding the impact of corruption on ESG performance, they can enhance their organization's overall sustainability efforts.

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Corporate Social Responsibility Manager

Corporate Social Responsibility Managers oversee an organization's social and ethical initiatives. This course offers a comprehensive understanding of the role of anti-corruption in corporate social responsibility, enabling Corporate Social Responsibility Managers to develop and implement effective programs that address corruption risks and promote ethical business practices.

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Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts research, analyze, and develop public policies. This course provides insights into the policy frameworks surrounding anti-corruption, enabling Policy Analysts to contribute to the development of effective policies that address corruption issues. By understanding the different perspectives on corruption and the effectiveness of various policy interventions, they can make informed recommendations that strengthen anti-corruption efforts.

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Journalist

Journalists investigate and report on current events, including corruption-related issues. This course provides a deeper understanding of the nature and impact of corruption, enabling Journalists to effectively uncover and report on corruption scandals. By gaining insights into anti-corruption laws and compliance programs, they can hold organizations and individuals accountable for corrupt practices.

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Nonprofit Manager

Nonprofit Managers oversee the operations of nonprofit organizations. This course offers insights into the unique challenges and ethical considerations related to corruption in the nonprofit sector. By understanding the principles of anti-corruption and compliance, Nonprofit Managers can effectively manage their organizations and ensure that they operate ethically and transparently.

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Public Administrator

Public Administrators manage government agencies and programs. This course provides a comprehensive overview of anti-corruption laws and compliance in the public sector, enabling Public Administrators to effectively combat corruption and promote ethical governance. By understanding the different forms of corruption and their impact on public trust, they can implement robust anti-corruption measures that strengthen the integrity of government institutions.

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