Busting graft: Tone from the top is key
The Business TimesView From The Top
Published: 26 Jan 2015
How can CEOs build and sustain a graft-free corporate culture in today’s business environment?
I CONCUR with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong that it is unrealistic to expect the problem of corruption to disappear completely. Having said that, we should do our best to put the right anti-corruption measures in place and promote best practices. It has to come top-down. The CEO, together with senior management, needs to build a strong corporate culture anchored on core values such as integrity, ethics, honesty and accountability. There should also be a keen emphasis on the practice of transparency within the work environment. Besides these, leaders should ensure that a safe environment is created where whistleblowers feel safe to come forward.
Finally, hiring the right individuals is important. This is especially so for senior positions that entail key decision-making. Organisations should conduct a very comprehensive screening process and hire individuals who display a strong value system.
Ronald Lee
Managing Director
PrimeStaff Management Services Pte Ltd