6.2 - Anti-bribery objectives and planning to achieve them : Measurability of objectives

How to Answer the Question

To adequately respond to how the objectives of an anti-corruption management system are ensured to be measurable, consider the following points:

-   Specificity and Quantifiability  : Explain how objectives are defined with specific, quantifiable targets that can be clearly evaluated, such as reductions in instances of reported bribery or improvements in compliance audit results.

-   Benchmarking and Monitoring  : Discuss how benchmarks are established for each objective, allowing the organization to monitor progress and measure outcomes effectively.

-   Regular Reviews  : Highlight the importance of regular reviews and updates to the objectives based on performance data and changing organizational needs or external conditions.

Guidance on setting measurable objectives can be sought from resources like the [ISO 37001 Anti-Bribery Management Systems](https://www.iso.org).

Why It's Important

Understanding why objectives need to be measurable is critical for several reasons:

-   Tracking Progress  : Measurable objectives allow an organization to track progress over time, identifying areas where the anti-corruption efforts are successful and where they are lacking.

-   Resource Allocation  : By measuring the effectiveness of anti-corruption measures, organizations can better allocate resources to areas where they are most needed, improving overall efficiency.

-   Continuous Improvement  : Measurable objectives provide a basis for continuous improvement, helping organizations to refine their strategies and make informed decisions to enhance their anti-corruption efforts.

Further insights are available through the [Agence Française Anticorruption](https://www.agence-francaise-anticorruption.gouv.fr).

Examples

-   Example A  :

 -   Context  : A multinational corporation sets a measurable objective to reduce reported bribery cases by 20% annually by enhancing training programs and internal controls.

 -   Action  : Implementation of a robust training system for all new and existing employees and an annual review of internal controls.

 -   Outcome  : A measurable decrease in reported bribery cases, demonstrating the effectiveness of the training and controls.

 More on setting anti-bribery objectives can be explored at [Transparency International’s Anti-Bribery Guidance](https://www.antibriberyguidance.org).

-   Example B  :

 -   Context  : A technology firm aims to improve its compliance rating by 15% as measured by external audit scores.

 -   Action  : Strengthening of compliance policies and integration of advanced analytics to monitor transactions.

 -   Outcome  : Achieved an 18% improvement in audit scores, surpassing the initial target.

 For practical approaches to anti-corruption compliance, consider checking [OECD Guidelines](https://www.oecd.org).