Business Integrity Innovations: The Commercial Approach to Anti-Corruption: Insights from Dr. Maximilian Burger-Scheidlin

December 5, 2024

Business Integrity Innovations is brought to you by the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) and the Compliance Podcast Network (CPN). This podcast is inspired by Ethics 1st, a multi-stakeholder initiative led by CIPE that creates pathways for accountable and sustainable investment in Africa. Companies can use Ethics 1st to standardize their business practices, develop sound corporate governance systems, and demonstrate their commitment to compliance and business ethics.

In this insightful episode of Business Integrity Innovations, hosts Tom Fox and Michele Crymes invite Business Integrity Innovations: The Commercial Approach to Anti-Corruption: Insights from Dr. Max Burger-Scheidlin from ICC Austria to discuss innovative strategies in the anti-corruption sphere. Dr. Scheidlin shares his journey from a lawyer engaged in corrupt practices to an advocate for business integrity. He narrates a compelling story of a Sudanese businessman who made profits without indulging in bribery by investing in after-sales service instead. This approach ultimately proved more profitable and sustainable than corrupt alternatives.

Dr. Scheidlin emphasizes the importance of mindset change and a commercial approach to anti-corruption, especially in high-risk countries where legal compliance alone is insufficient. He argues that fostering long-term egoism by showcasing the profitability of non-corrupt practices can significantly reduce corruption. The episode delves into anti-corruption’s macro and micro impacts, illustrating the economic benefits of integrity in business. The conversation concludes with practical advice for companies looking to implement anti-corruption measures and an invitation to visit ICC Austria’s website for more resources.