Integrity is a crucial determinant of trust. Evidence suggests a link between trust in politicians, both from the business community and citizens, and the perception of corruption.
Integrity policies, aimed at preventing corruption and fostering high standards of behaviour, help to reinforce the credibility and legitimacy of those involved in policy decision making, safeguarding the public interest and restoring confidence in the policy making process.
Policies addressing high-risk areas, such as the working relationship between the public and private sectors, can limit undue influence and build safeguards to protect the public interest. Policy areas include effective management of conflict of interests, high standards of behaviour in the public sector, and adequate lobbying and political finance regulation.
MANAGING CONFLICT OF INTEREST
Defining an effective policy approach to dealing with conflict of interest is essential to the political, administrative and legal structure of a country’s public life.
The "revolving door" phenomenon, involving an increased movement of staff between the public and private sectors, has raised concerns over pre- and post-public employment conditions and its negative effects on trust in the public sector (i.e. the misuse of “insider information”, position and contacts). To combat this countries are modernising polocies to effectively prevent and manage conflict of interest in pre- and post-public employment.
The principles presented in OECD Survey on Conflict of Interest (2012). Post-Public Employment: Good Practices for Preventing Conflict of Interest serve as a point of reference for policy makers and managers to review and modernise post-public employment policies.
LOBBYING: INFORMED POLICY MAKING
Lobbying can contribute to good decision making and improve governments’ understanding of policy issues by providing valuable insights and data as part of open consultation processes. Yet, lobbying can also lead to unfair advantages for vocal vested interests if the process is hazy and standards are lax.
Money is a necessary component of the democratic processes, enabling elections for representation and help competition but can also put at risk the legitimacy, inclusiveness and fairness of public decision making.