You are on page 1of 24

Corporate IntegrIty praCtICe

Audit director roundtAble

the State of ethics and compliance in Asia


A Cross-Country Analysis
July 2011

a Framework For member ConversatIons The mission of The Corporate Executive Board is to create revolutionary economic advantage for leaders of the worlds great enterprises by enabling them to act with unparalleled intelligence and confidence. We lift their performance at key decision points and career moments by delivering insight drawn from the most powerful global executive and professional network. When we bring leaders together, it is crucial that our discussions neither restrict competition nor improperly share inside information. All other conversations are welcomed and encouraged. We look forward to the continued and robust sharing of insights by member executives and professionals at Corporate Executive Board events. CopIes and CopyrIght As always, members are welcome to an unlimited number of copies of the materials contained within this handout. Furthermore, members may copy any graphic herein for their own internal purpose. The Corporate Executive Board Company requests only that members retain the copyright mark on all pages produced. Please contact your Member Support Center at +1-866-913-8103 for any help we may provide. The pages herein are the property of The Corporate Executive Board Company. Beyond the membership, no copyrighted materials of The Corporate Executive Board Company may be reproduced without prior approval. LegaL Caveat The Audit Director Roundtable has worked to ensure the accuracy of the information it provides to its members. This report relies upon data obtained from many sources, however, and the Audit Director Roundtable cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information or its analysis in all cases. Furthermore, the Audit Director Roundtable is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional services. Its reports should not be construed as professional advice on any particular set of facts or circumstances. Members requiring such services are advised to consult an appropriate professional. Neither The Corporate Executive Board Company nor its programs are responsible for any claims or losses that may arise from a) any errors or omissions in their reports, whether caused by the Audit Director Roundtable or its sources, or b) reliance upon any recommendation made by the Audit Director Roundtable.

KEY FINDINGS

Many employees in Asia are unsure if they have observed misconduct. The proportion of dont know responses is up to four times higher in Asian countries than in the united States, which raises concerns that employees might not be well equipped to spot misconduct. Fewer employees in Asia who do observe misconduct report it. Among staff who say they have observed misconduct, reporting rates on average across Asia are 12 percentage points lower than the global average (46% versus 58%). Fear of retaliation tops the list of reasons for not reporting. Consistent with the global trend, fear of retaliation is the most important reason for not reporting misconduct in Asia too. The belief that the observer lacks enough information about the misconduct is another key reason for nonreporting. Managers are seen as poor role models. Managers in most Asian countries are seen to be far more likely to pressure their staff to act unethically as compared to their global peers.

From the AuDIT DIRECToR RouNDTABlE of the CoRPoRATE INTEgRITy PRACTICE www.adr.executiveboard.com 2011 The Corporate Executive Board Company. All Rights Reserved.ADR0906011SYN

CEBs Compliance and Ethics leadership Council (CElC) has developed the RiskClarity survey that allows companies to rigorously assess their ethical culture and benchmark it against peers.
approximately 30,000 employees from 15 countries in asia havecompleted the riskClarity survey. this report focuses on responses from China, India, malaysia, Indonesia, and singapore.

RISKClARItY SuRvEY uSED to ASSESS thE DRIvERS oF INtEGRItY At CoMpANIES


RiskClarity
Employee Survey and Scale

corporAte integrity prActice

Survey Statements

Strongly Agree

Agree

Slightly Agree

Neither

Slightly Disagree

Disagree

Strongly Disagree

I can report unethical behavior or practices without fear of retaliation. My company responds quickly and consistently to verified or proven unethical behavior. I am often exposed to situations that could lead to inappropriate conduct.

Key Demographics of Survey participants to Date 1


Multiple Industries

Participating companies represent the following industries: Automotive and Transport, Business Services, Chemicals, Computer Software, Electronics, Energy and utilities, Entertainment/leisure, Financial Services/Banking, Health Care, Insurance, Manufacturing, Technology, Telecommunication Services, and Retail.

2 All Business Functions

Respondents represent all business functions, including Corporate Administration, Customer Service, Human Resources, Finance/Accounting, Information Technology, legal, Manufacturing, Market Research, operations, Quality Control, Retail, Sales, Corporate Strategy, and Supply Chain.

3
From the AuDIT DIRECToR RouNDTABlE of the CoRPoRATE INTEgRITy PRACTICE www.adr.executiveboard.com 2011 The Corporate Executive Board Company. All Rights Reserved.ADR0906011SYN

All Employee levels

Employees at all levels, from the CEo and senior management to middle management and frontline employees

4 pan-Asian Coverage

Deep set of responses from across India, China, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia

Note: All questions were coded or recorded in such a way to directionally be on the same scale.

RoAD MAp FoR thE pRESENtAtIoN

observation of Misconduct

reporting of misconduct

performance on select drivers of Corporate Integrity

program resources

From the AuDIT DIRECToR RouNDTABlE of the CoRPoRATE INTEgRITy PRACTICE www.adr.executiveboard.com 2011 The Corporate Executive Board Company. All Rights Reserved.ADR0906011SYN

high levels of Dont Know responses suggest that employees across Asian countries are not good at spotting misconduct.
the inability to spot misconduct could be because: employees perception regarding the clarity of guidelines is not accurate; employees lack the will to spot misconduct; and ethical guidelines are inadequate in helping employees spot different forms of misconduct.

hIGh pRopoRtIoN oF EMploYEES IN ASIA uNSuRE oF hAvING oBSERvED MISCoNDuCt


percentage of Employees
Dont Know

Have observed Misconduct Have Not observed Misconduct

10% 15%

8% 12% 44% 17% 12% 12% 31% 28% 26% 23%

17% 8% 75% 80% 52%

employees in China fare the worst in terms of spotting misconduct, with dont know responses over four times the United states rate. the percentage of employees not having observed misconduct varies between 48% and 65% in asia as compared to 75% in the United states of america.

48%

55%

62%

65%

united States

united Kingdom

China

Malaysia

Indonesia

Singapore

India

n = 131,089 united States; 9,745 united Kingdom; 12,753 India; 7,551 China; 2,087 Singapore; 1,874 Malaysia; 399 Indonesia.
Source: CElC RiskClarity Survey Data, 20092010.
From the AuDIT DIRECToR RouNDTABlE of the CoRPoRATE INTEgRITy PRACTICE www.adr.executiveboard.com 2011 The Corporate Executive Board Company. All Rights Reserved.ADR0906011SYN

hRrelated misconducts like preferential treatment and inappropriate behavior are most common globally, but conflict of interest is more common in Asia.

CoNFlICt oF INtERESt thE MoSt CoMMoN tYpE oF MISCoNDuCt oBSERvED IN ASIA


observed Misconduct by type
Percentage of Respondents Who Report Having Observed a Specific Type of Misconduct

12%

Asia Average global Average

10%

8%

6%

4%

2%

0% Violation of Environmental Regulation Misuse of organizations Time or Resources Improper Sales Improper Payments Data Privacy or Information Security Violation Alcohol and/or Drug Abuse Preferential Treatment Harassment Inappropriate Behavior Discrimination Inappropriate giving or Receiving Violation of Health or Safety Policy Stealing of Company Property Accounting Irregularities Business Information Violation Conflict of Interest Fraud Insider Trading

From the AuDIT DIRECToR RouNDTABlE of the CoRPoRATE INTEgRITy PRACTICE www.adr.executiveboard.com 2011 The Corporate Executive Board Company. All Rights Reserved.ADR0906011SYN

Source: CElC RiskClarity Survey Data, 20092010.

Note: The list of top five observed misconducts by country is included in the appendix.

RoAD MAp FoR thE pRESENtAtIoN

observation of misconduct

Reporting of Misconduct

performance on select drivers of Corporate Integrity

program resources

From the AuDIT DIRECToR RouNDTABlE of the CoRPoRATE INTEgRITy PRACTICE www.adr.executiveboard.com 2011 The Corporate Executive Board Company. All Rights Reserved.ADR0906011SYN

Reporting rate of business misconduct in Asia is much lower than the global average.
employees in China and malaysia fare the worst in terms of reporting misconduct.

MoSt MISCoNDuCt GoES uNREpoRtED IN ASIA


Reporting Rate of observed Business Misconduct
Percentage of Respondents Who Reported Observed Misconduct

Global Average = 58% 56% 49% 41% 51% Asia Average = 46%

32%

China

Malaysia

Singapore

India

Indonesia

n = 4,538 India; 3,962 China; 905 Malaysia; 809 Singapore; 182 Indonesia.

Source: CElC RiskClarity Survey Data, 20092010.


From the AuDIT DIRECToR RouNDTABlE of the CoRPoRATE INTEgRITy PRACTICE www.adr.executiveboard.com 2011 The Corporate Executive Board Company. All Rights Reserved.ADR0906011SYN

Fear of retaliation in Asia is much lower than the global average, but is nevertheless the main reason for not reporting.
a high number of employees in asia do not report misconduct due to lack of information; the asia average on this dimension is eight percentage points higher than the global average.

FEAR oF REtAlIAtIoN top REASoN FoR Not REpoRtING MISCoNDuCt IN ASIA


top-three Reasons for Not Reporting Misconduct
Percentage of Employees 49%
Singapore China Malaysia India

50% 45% 40% 35% 30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0%

Indonesia

37%

global Average Asia Average

24% 20%

16%

15%

Fear of Retaliation

I Did Not Think I Had Enough Information About the Misconduct

I Did Not Think the Company Would Do Anything About It

n = 12,753 India; 7,551 China; 2,087 Singapore; 1,874 Malaysia; 399 Indonesia.

organizational Imperative Provide more anonymous channels for reporting, assuring employees of confidentiality and appropriate action against reported misconduct.
From the AuDIT DIRECToR RouNDTABlE of the CoRPoRATE INTEgRITy PRACTICE www.adr.executiveboard.com 2011 The Corporate Executive Board Company. All Rights Reserved.ADR0906011SYN

Source: CElC RiskClarity Survey Data, 20092010.

Note: The list of top-five reasons for not reporting misconduct by country is included in the appendix.

10

Misconduct is more than three times more likely to be reported to managers than through the next most preferred channel (hR).
employees in malaysia are more likely to report misconduct to hr than their counterparts in other countries.

DIRECt MANAGERS pREFERRED ChANNEl to REpoRt MISCoNDuCt


top-three preferred Channels to Report Misconduct in Asia
Percentage of Employees
India

80%

Indonesia

72%
70%

Singapore Malaysia China global Average Asia Average

70%
60%

50%

40%

30%

25% 21% 23% 20%

20%

10%

0% My Supervisor/Manager Human Resources A Superior other Than the Manager

n = 4,538 India; 3,962 China; 905 Malaysia; 819 Singapore; 192 Indonesia.

organizational Imperative Educate managers on how to address, report, and escalate issues related to misconduct.
From the AuDIT DIRECToR RouNDTABlE of the CoRPoRATE INTEgRITy PRACTICE www.adr.executiveboard.com 2011 The Corporate Executive Board Company. All Rights Reserved.ADR0906011SYN

Source: CElC RiskClarity Survey Data, 20092010.

Note: The list of top-five preferred channels for reporting misconduct by country is included in the appendix.

11

RoAD MAp FoR thE pRESENtAtIoN

observation of misconduct

reporting of misconduct

performance on Select Drivers of Corporate Integrity

program resources

From the AuDIT DIRECToR RouNDTABlE of the CoRPoRATE INTEgRITy PRACTICE www.adr.executiveboard.com 2011 The Corporate Executive Board Company. All Rights Reserved.ADR0906011SYN

12

Employees in most Asian countries report clarity of ethical guidelines close to global average.
India, singapore, and China score well on clarity of guidelines, even though they report relatively high dont know scores on observation of misconduct.

ClARItY oF EthICAl GuIDElINES SIMIlAR to GloBAl AvERAGE


Clarity of Guidelines
Percentage of Respondents1 Who Believe Ethical Guidelines Have Been Clearly Communicated to Them

89%

83%

82% 78% 69%

Global Average = 84% Asia Average = 83%

India

Singapore

China

Indonesia

Malaysia

n = 12,753 India; 7,551 China; 2,087 Singapore; 1,874 Malaysia; 399 Indonesia.
1

Respondents who selected Agree and Strongly Agree to the question on clarity of guidelines.

From the AuDIT DIRECToR RouNDTABlE of the CoRPoRATE INTEgRITy PRACTICE www.adr.executiveboard.com 2011 The Corporate Executive Board Company. All Rights Reserved.ADR0906011SYN

Source: CElC RiskClarity Survey Data, 20092010.

13

Managerial pressure to act unethically is higher in Asia than global average.

ASIAN MANAGERS pRESSuRE thEIR StAFF to ACt uNEthICAllY


percentage of Respondents1 Who Believe they Are pressured by their Managers to perform unethical Job-Related tasks
Percentage of Responses from Non-Management Staff 25%

20%

15%

9% Asia Average = 8% 4% Global Average = 3%


China India Singapore Malaysia Indonesia

n = 15,070 India; 10,608 China; 2,396 Singapore; 2,124 Malaysia; 396 Indonesia.
1

Respondents who selected Agree and Strongly Agree to the question on manager pressure.

From the AuDIT DIRECToR RouNDTABlE of the CoRPoRATE INTEgRITy PRACTICE www.adr.executiveboard.com 2011 The Corporate Executive Board Company. All Rights Reserved.ADR0906011SYN

Source: CElC RiskClarity Survey Data, 20092010.

14

the perception of senior leaders varies widely across Asia, with India and Singapore faring the best.
only around one-half of the respondents in malaysia and China believe their senior leaders are honest and possess integrity. a similar percentage of respondents believe that senior leaders in malaysia and China fail to take necessary action on observing misconduct.

pERCEptIoN oF SENIoR lEADERS IN ASIA SIMIlAR to GloBAl AvERAGE But vARIES BY CouNtRY
percentage of Respondents1 Who Believe the Senior leaders at their organization Are honest and possess Integrity
75% 66% 61% Asia Average = 66% 50% Global Average = 63%

57%

India

Singapore

Indonesia

China

Malaysia

n = 12,753 India; 7,551 China; 2,087 Singapore; 1,874 Malaysia; 399 Indonesia.

percentage of Respondents2 Who Believe the Senior leaders take Appropriate Action on observing unethical practices
77% 67% 64% 61% 51% Asia Average = 68% Global Average = 62%

India

Singapore

Indonesia

China

Malaysia

n = 12,753 India; 7,551 China; 2,087 Singapore; 1,874 Malaysia; 399 Indonesia.

organizational Imperative Set the right tone at the top, ensuring senior leaders hold the highest ethical standards and ascertain that these standards permeate the organization while remaining comprehensible across all levels.
From the AuDIT DIRECToR RouNDTABlE of the CoRPoRATE INTEgRITy PRACTICE www.adr.executiveboard.com 2011 The Corporate Executive Board Company. All Rights Reserved.ADR0906011SYN
1 2

Respondents who selected Agree and Strongly Agree to the question on senior leaders honesty and integrity. Respondents who selected Agree and Strongly Agree to the question on senior leaders response to observing unethical practices.

Source: CElC RiskClarity Survey Data, 20092010.

15

RoAD MAp FoR thE pRESENtAtIoN

observation of misconduct

reporting of misconduct

performance on select drivers of Corporate Integrity

program Resources

From the AuDIT DIRECToR RouNDTABlE of the CoRPoRATE INTEgRITy PRACTICE www.adr.executiveboard.com 2011 The Corporate Executive Board Company. All Rights Reserved.ADR0906011SYN

16

NEXt StEpS
Suggested Actions to Build an Effective Anti-Fraud program

Fraud Risk Assessment

observation of Misconduct

Conduct a Fraud Risk Assessment Implement a comprehensive fraud risk assessment to identify, measure, and evaluate key fraud risks and related internal controls. Identify Frauds During an Audit Engagement Incorporate fraud prevention and detection techniques into every audit to broaden coverage of this risk.

hotlines and Investigations

Reporting of Misconduct

Develop a Whistleblower hotline Expedite fraud-related whistleblower tips to ensure that important fraud leads are appropriately prioritized and acted on. Escalate Incidences to Investigations Implement a more proactive, tiered fraud-reporting structure that collects appropriate amounts of information and provides for timely escalation and resolution of fraud issues.

Awareness and training performance on Select Drivers of Corporate Integrity

Assess Fraud Awareness use surveys and interviews to test awareness in the organization and ensure that employees understand what constitutes fraud and the various reporting mechanisms available to them. Conduct Fraud training Aid in the creation of a comprehensive fraud training program that delineates all major fraud scenarios as well as all consequences for fraudulent activity and behavior.

From the AuDIT DIRECToR RouNDTABlE of the CoRPoRATE INTEgRITy PRACTICE www.adr.executiveboard.com 2011 The Corporate Executive Board Company. All Rights Reserved.ADR0906011SYN

17

RECoMMENDED RESouRCES
Select Resources from ADR to help Build an Effective Anti-Fraud program

Fraud Prevention and Detection Survey Tool that helps identify high-risk areas requiring in-depth fraud examinations BNSFs process to outline fraud risk assessment objectives and methodology Reynolds Americans Evaluation of typical fraud risks during every audit Fraud Risk Database to help develop potential fraud scenarios during the audit engagement

observation of Misconduct

Nextels Development of a whistleblower hotline Whistleblower Policy generator to help produce a whistleblower policy for your organization BPs Process to expedite the fraud communication process georgia-Pacifics Tools for whistleblower employees to collect useful, actionable fraud information

Reporting of Misconduct

Fraud Prevention and Detection Survey Tool that helps perform an assessment of gaps in fraud control practices Fonterras Fraud Awareness Checklist to enable management to assess and manage fraud risk on an ongoing basis Fraud Awareness Training Presentation that helps educate the business to create fraud awareness Fraud Detection Skills as developed by Dow

performance on Select Drivers of Corporate Integrity

From the AuDIT DIRECToR RouNDTABlE of the CoRPoRATE INTEgRITy PRACTICE www.adr.executiveboard.com 2011 The Corporate Executive Board Company. All Rights Reserved.ADR0906011SYN

18

Appendix
perceived Levels of public sector Corruption20 "top-Five" Lists by Country

observed misconducts21 reasons for not reporting observed misconduct22 Channels to report observed misconduct23

From the AuDIT DIRECToR RouNDTABlE of the CoRPoRATE INTEgRITy PRACTICE www.adr.executiveboard.com 2011 The Corporate Executive Board Company. All Rights Reserved.ADR0906011SYN

19

higher levels of corruption in most Asian countries necessitates greater focus from companies on compliance risk.
singapore stands out from other asian countries and is perceived as one of the least corrupt countries in the world.

pERCEIvED lEvElS oF puBlIC SECtoR CoRRuptIoN


Corruption perceptions Index, 2010
The 2010 Corruption Perceptions Index measures the perceived level of public sector corruption in 178 countries around the world.
less Corrupt

10

9.3

7.6 7.1

4.4 3.3 2.8 3.5

0 More Corrupt

Indonesia

India

China

Malaysia

united States

united Kingdom

Singapore

Source: Corruption Perception Index, Transparency International, http://transparency.org/policy_research/surveys_indices/cpi/2010/results, 2010.


From the AuDIT DIRECToR RouNDTABlE of the CoRPoRATE INTEgRITy PRACTICE www.adr.executiveboard.com 2011 The Corporate Executive Board Company. All Rights Reserved.ADR0906011SYN

20

preferential treatment, Misuse of organizations time or Resources, and Conflict of Interest are the most common types of misconduct observed in Asia.

top-FIvE oBSERvED MISCoNDuCtS BY CouNtRY


percentage of Respondents Who Report having observed a Specific type of Misconduct

China

India Preferential Treatment (10%)

Malaysia Discrimination (17%)

Singapore Preferential Treatment (10%)

Indonesia Preferential Treatment (16%)

Asia Average Conflict of Interest (9%)

Global Average Preferential Treatment (11%)

Conflict of Interest (12%)

Misuse of organizations Time or Resources (10%)

Conflict of Interest (8%)

Misuse of organizations Time or Resources (15%)

Misuse of organizations Time or Resources (8%)

Conflict of Interest (16%)

Preferential Treatment (8%)

Inappropriate Behavior (9%)

Harassment (8%)

Harassment (7%)

Preferential Treatment (14%)

Conflict of Interest (8%)

Misuse of organizations Time or Resources (12%)

Misuse of organizations Time or Resources (8%)

Misuse of organizations Time or Resources (8%)

Inappropriate Behavior (8%)

Inappropriate Behavior (7%)

Harassment (14%)

Inappropriate Behavior (8%)

Harassment (11%)

Harassment (8%)

Harassment (8%)

Stealing of Company Property (6%)

Misuse of organizations Time or Resources (7%)

Conflict of Interest (13%)

Harassment (8%)

Discrimination (9%)

Inappropriate Behavior (7%)

Conflict of Interest (6%)

From the AuDIT DIRECToR RouNDTABlE of the CoRPoRATE INTEgRITy PRACTICE www.adr.executiveboard.com 2011 The Corporate Executive Board Company. All Rights Reserved.ADR0906011SYN

Source: CElC RiskClarity Survey Data, 20092010.

21

Fear of retaliation is the top reason for not reporting observed misconduct both globally as well as in Asia.

top-FIvE REASoNS FoR Not REpoRtING oBSERvED MISCoNDuCt


percentage of Respondents Who Selected a Specific Reason for Not Reporting
China India Fear of retaliation (31%) Malaysia Fear of retaliation (38%) Singapore Fear of retaliation (46%) Indonesia I did not think I had enough information (33%). Asia Average Fear of retaliation (37%) Global Average Fear of retaliation (49%)

Fear of retaliation (42%)

I did not think I had enough information (34%).

other (22%)

I did not think I had enough information (23%).

I did not think I had enough information (27%).

Fear of retaliation (25%)

I did not think I had enough information (24%).

I did not think the company would do anything about it (20%).

I did not want to get involved (18%).

I did not think I had enough information (15%).

Ive heard stories about people raising concerns before and nothing ever happened (17%). I did not think the company would do anything about it (17%).

I did not think the company would do anything about it (21%).

I did not think the company would do anything about it (22%).

other (20%)

The person who committed the violation was very senior (17%).

other (16%)

The person who committed the violation was very senior (14%).

other (19%)

I assumed the company already knew about the misconduct (20%). I did not want anyone to get fired or penalized (12%).

I did not think the company would do anything about it (15%).

I did not think I had enough information (16%).

I did not think the company would do anything about it (13%).

I did not think the company would do anything about it (12%).

I did not want to get involved (15%).

I did not want to get involved (15%).

I did not want to get involved (13%).

other (15%)

From the AuDIT DIRECToR RouNDTABlE of the CoRPoRATE INTEgRITy PRACTICE www.adr.executiveboard.com 2011 The Corporate Executive Board Company. All Rights Reserved.ADR0906011SYN

Source: CElC RiskClarity Survey Data, 20092010.

22

top-five channels for reporting observed misconduct in Asia are very similar to those used globally.

top-FIvE ChANNElS FoR REpoRtING oBSERvED MISCoNDuCt


percentage of Respondents Who Selected Specific Channels for Reporting (A Respondent Can Select up to two Channels)
China India Supervisor/ Manager (76%) Malaysia Supervisor/ Manager (67%) Singapore Supervisor/ Manager (66%) Indonesia Supervisor/ Manager (72%) Asia Average Supervisor/ Manager (70%) Global Average Supervisor/ Manager (72%)

Supervisor/ Manager (55%)

HR Department (25%)

A superior other than the direct manager (23%)

HR Department (39%)

HR Department (25%)

HR Department (30%)

HR Department (23%)

HR Department (25%)

A superior other than the direct manager (14%)

HR Department (20%)

A superior other than the direct manager (21%)

A superior other than the direct manager (19%)

A superior other than the direct manager (19%)

A superior other than the direct manager (20%)

A superior other than the direct manager (21%)

Hotline (11%)

Compliance and Ethics Department (7%)

Compliance and Ethics Department (6%)

Compliance and Ethics Department (10%)

Compliance and Ethics Department (13%)

Compliance and Ethics Department (8%)

Compliance and Ethics Department (5%)

Security Department (9%)

ombudsperson (3%)

Hotline (5%)

ombudsperson (9%)

ombudsperson (13%)

Hotline (5%)

Hotline (4%)

From the AuDIT DIRECToR RouNDTABlE of the CoRPoRATE INTEgRITy PRACTICE www.adr.executiveboard.com 2011 The Corporate Executive Board Company. All Rights Reserved.ADR0906011SYN

Source: CElC RiskClarity Survey Data, 20092010.

23

Corporate IntegrIty praCtICe

Audit director roundtAble

2011 The Corporate Executive Board Company. All Rights Reserved.ADR0906011SYN

You might also like