What is Transparency International (TI) and what is its primary mission?

Transparency International (TI) is a German registered association founded in 1993, operating as an international non-governmental organization. Its primary mission is to combat global corruption by implementing civil societal anti-corruption measures and preventing criminal activities that arise from corruption, aiming to create a world free of corruption.

When and where was Transparency International founded and formally registered?

Transparency International was founded on February 9, 1993, in The Hague, Netherlands, and was formally registered on June 15, 1993, in Berlin, Germany.

Who were some of the key individuals involved in the founding of Transparency International?

Key founding members included Peter Eigen, a former regional director for the World Bank, Peter Conze, Laurence Cockcroft, Fritz Heimann, Michael J. Hershman, Kamal Hossain, Gerald Parfitt, Jeremy Pope, Roy Stacy, and Frank Vogl.

What is Transparency International's definition of corruption?

Transparency International defines corruption as the abuse of entrusted power for private gain, which ultimately harms everyone who relies on the integrity of those in positions of authority. This definition highlights the misuse of power for personal benefit and its widespread negative impact.

What are Transparency International's two most notable publications?

Transparency International's two most notable publications are the Global Corruption Barometer, which surveys citizens' experiences with corruption, and the Corruption Perceptions Index, which ranks countries based on perceived public sector corruption.

How has Transparency International's membership grown since its inception?

Since its founding in 1993 with just a few individuals, Transparency International's membership has expanded significantly to include more than 100 national chapters that actively work to fight corruption within their respective countries.

What is the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) and how is it compiled?

The Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) is an annual composite index that ranks countries and territories based on the perceived level of corruption within their public sectors. It is compiled by drawing on corruption-related data from various reputable institutions and reflects the views of observers worldwide.

What was the Bribe Payers Index (BPI) and why was it discontinued?

The Bribe Payers Index (BPI) was published by TI from 1999 to 2011 and ranked nations based on the perceived likelihood of their multinational corporations offering bribes. It was discontinued due to funding issues and a strategic decision to focus more on advocacy goals.

What is the purpose of the Global Corruption Barometer (GCB)?

The Global Corruption Barometer (GCB) is a survey conducted by Transparency International that directly asks citizens about their personal experiences with corruption in their daily lives, providing insights into public perceptions and experiences.

What kind of research does the Global Corruption Report (GCR) provide?

The Global Corruption Report (GCR) provides in-depth research on specific topics related to corruption, such as corruption within the context of climate change, offering detailed analysis on particular issues.

What do National Integrity System (NIS) assessments aim to achieve?

National Integrity System (NIS) assessments are designed to offer a comprehensive analysis of a given country's existing mechanisms and strategies for combating corruption, evaluating the strength and effectiveness of its anti-corruption framework.

What did the Government Defence Anti-corruption Index, published in 2013, measure?

The Government Defence Anti-corruption Index, first published in 2013, measured corruption within the defense sector of 82 different countries, assessing the transparency and accountability measures in place.

What is the "Exporting Corruption" report?

The "Exporting Corruption" report is a research publication by Transparency International that assesses and rates the bribery-related performance of leading global exporting countries, including those that are signatories to the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention, highlighting how corruption is facilitated across borders.

What is the legal status of Transparency International in Germany?

Transparency International is legally registered in Germany as an "Eingetragener Verein," which translates to a German registered voluntary association, indicating its formal legal structure within the country.

Where are Transparency International's headquarters located?

Transparency International's headquarters are located in Berlin, Germany, specifically at Alt-Moabit 96, 10559 Berlin.

Who are the current Chief Executive Officer, Chair, and Vice-Chair of Transparency International as of the provided text?

As of the provided text, Maíra Martini is the Chief Executive Officer, François Valérian is the Chair, and Ketakandriana Rafitoson is the Vice-Chair, forming part of the organization's leadership.

What is Transparency International's role in relation to its national chapters?

Transparency International serves as an umbrella organization for its national chapters, which are locally established, independent organizations that address corruption within their respective countries, playing a crucial role in shaping TI's collective work and regional/global goals.

What criticism has the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) faced regarding its methodology?

The CPI has faced criticism for measuring "perception" rather than "reality" and for relying on opinions from a relatively small group of experts and businesspeople, which some argue embeds an "elite bias" and makes it difficult to accurately measure the true scale of corruption.

How did Transparency International's chapter in the United States (TI-USA) lose its accreditation in 2017?

TI-USA lost its accreditation in 2017 due to perceived differences in philosophies, strategies, and priorities between the chapter and the broader Transparency International movement. It was also reported that TI-USA was viewed in the United States as a corporate front group funded by multinational corporations.

What was the outcome of the resolution proposed by the German and Irish chapters of TI regarding Edward Snowden in 2013?

The resolution proposed by the German and Irish chapters calling for an end to the prosecution of Edward Snowden and recognition of him as a whistleblower was weakened and ultimately excluded specific references to Snowden and comprehensive protection for whistleblowers after intervention from the USA chapter. TI representatives had previously met with Snowden in Moscow.

What controversy arose in 2014 concerning funding from Siemens?

In 2014, Transparency International accepted a $3 million donation from Siemens, a company that had previously paid a $1.6 billion fine for bribery. This acceptance raised questions, as TI's own procedures prohibit accepting money from corporations seeking to "greenwash" their reputations, and former TI staff had been hired by a Siemens initiative, leading to concerns about a "revolving door" effect.

What allegations of a "toxic" workplace culture were reported at Transparency International in 2019?

In August 2019, The Guardian reported accounts from seven current and former TI Secretariat staff alleging a "toxic" workplace culture within the organization, detailing issues of bullying and harassment.

What accusations did former TI Managing Director Cobus de Swardt make in his 2021 book?

In his 2021 book, "Silencing a Whistleblower," Cobus de Swardt accused Transparency International of abuse of power and silencing whistleblowers, further criticizing the organization's practices.

What political activities in Brazil involving Transparency International were revealed through leaked conversations?

Leaked conversations suggested that the chief prosecutor in Brazil's Operation Car Wash and the head of TI Brazil discussed a "backstage campaign" to target political adversaries, fund selected candidates, and prepare false accusations against former president Lula da Silva, with participants celebrating Jair Bolsonaro's election. This raised questions about TI's political impartiality.

What investigation was opened against Transparency International in Brazil in April 2022?

In April 2022, Brazil's auditing court announced that it had opened an investigation into Transparency International concerning the illegal imprisonment of Lula da Silva, stemming from the revelations about Operation Car Wash.

What is Transparency International's affiliation with the United Nations Global Compact?

Transparency International is a member of the United Nations Global Compact, which signifies its commitment to aligning with and contributing to the UN's goals for peace, justice, strong institutions, and partnerships.

What role does Transparency International play in the International Anti-Corruption Conference (IACC)?

Transparency International serves as the secretariat for the International Anti-Corruption Conference (IACC), which has been organized in association with local governments and organizations since its inception in 1983, acting as the administrative body for this biennial event.

What is the purpose of the partnership between Transparency International and the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP)?

Since 2016, TI has partnered with OCCRP to inform its policy and legal advocacy by utilizing knowledge and evidence gathered through OCCRP's corruption investigations, creating a synergy between investigative journalism and anti-corruption advocacy.

What specific criticism did some governments express regarding the methodology of TI's Government Defence Anti-corruption Index?

Some governments expressed criticism towards the methodology used in Transparency International's Government Defence Anti-corruption Index, though Mark Pyman, founder of TI's Defence & Security program, defended the report and emphasized the importance of transparency in the military sector.

What was the stated basis for the dis-accreditation of Transparency International USA in 2017?

The stated basis for the dis-accreditation of TI-USA was the International Board of Directors' recognition of differences in philosophies, strategies, and priorities between the chapter and the broader Transparency International movement. Reports also indicated it was seen as a corporate front group.

What did the newspaper *Le Monde* report regarding the sources used for Transparency International's main surveys?

*Le Monde* reported that Transparency International's main surveys, like the CPI, are based on data from private entities and other NGOs, such as the Economist Intelligence Unit and Freedom House, and that these surveys overlook corruption within the business world.

What is the significance of Peter Eigen in the founding of Transparency International?

Peter Eigen, a former regional director for the World Bank, is recognized as a founder of Transparency International and was instrumental in its establishment, bringing significant experience from his work at the World Bank.

What is the stated purpose of Transparency International's "Exporting Corruption" reports?

The stated purpose of Transparency International's "Exporting Corruption" reports is to rate the bribery-related performance of leading global exporting countries, including those that are signatories to the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention, thereby highlighting how corruption is facilitated across borders.

How does Transparency International leverage artificial intelligence and ChatBot technology?

Since 2023, Transparency International has partnered with ChatBot and utilizes artificial intelligence technology on its website to enhance its digital engagement and support transparency initiatives at a larger scale, improving user interaction and data processing.

What specific criticism was made about the CPI's reliance on opinions from a small group of experts and businesspeople?

The criticism was that this reliance embeds a powerful and misleading elite bias in popular perceptions of corruption, making it difficult to accurately measure the true scale of the issue with a single number and potentially skewing rankings.

What is the significance of Transparency International's affiliation with the United Nations Sustainable Development Group (UNSDG)?

Transparency International's affiliation with the UNSDG signifies its alignment with and contribution to the UN's goals for peace, justice, strong institutions, and partnerships, demonstrating its role in broader global development efforts.

What is the primary function of Transparency International's national chapters?

The primary function of Transparency International's national chapters is to address corruption within their respective countries, utilizing local expertise to determine the most effective priorities and approaches, and acting as the grassroots implementation arm of the organization.

What did the newspaper *Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung* report regarding employee departures from Transparency International?

The *Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung* reported that dozens of employees, including high-ranking ones, had left Transparency International in recent years, with some complaining about political intrigues and self-interest within the organization, raising concerns about its internal culture.

What is the stated mission of Transparency International?

The stated mission of Transparency International is to create change towards a world free of corruption, guiding its activities and advocacy efforts.

What specific action did Transparency International Russia face in Russia in April 2015?

In April 2015, Russia's Ministry of Justice added Transparency International Russia to its list of "foreign agents," a designation that can impose restrictions and scrutiny on organizations receiving foreign funding.

What is the significance of the "revolving door" concern raised in relation to Siemens' funding of TI?

The "revolving door" concern arose when Siemens' Integrity Initiative hired a former TI staffer shortly after donating to TI, suggesting a potential conflict of interest or undue influence between the organization and a corporate donor that had faced bribery charges, questioning TI's independence.

What did Transparency International's 2012 Annual Report reveal about its funding from multinational companies?

Transparency International's 2012 Annual Report revealed that it received funding from multinational companies, including oil companies like Exxon Mobil and Shell, as well as hedge funds and professional services firms like Deloitte and Ernst & Young, indicating diverse funding streams.

What is the role of TI's Advisory Council?

TI's Advisory Council consists of individuals with extensive experience in the organization's work, appointed by the board of directors to provide advice and support to the organization, contributing their expertise to its strategic direction.

What specific allegations were made against Transparency International's board members and senior management between 2017 and 2021?

Between 2017 and 2021, allegations of bullying, harassment, and abuse of power were made against Transparency International's board members and senior management, leading to the departure of key personnel and internal disputes, as reported in various media outlets.

What is the significance of Transparency International's membership in G20 Think Tanks?

Transparency International's membership in "G20 Think Tanks" indicates its participation and recognition within a network of influential policy research organizations associated with the G20 nations, highlighting its role in global policy discussions.

What was the outcome of the 2017 disaccreditation of Transparency International USA, according to reports?

According to reports, TI-USA was seen in the United States as a corporate front group funded by multinational corporations, which contributed to its disaccreditation by the international board, suggesting a disconnect between the US chapter's operations and TI's global mission.

What specific concerns were raised about the handling of bullying allegations within Transparency International between 2017 and 2021?

Concerns were raised that the TI board's handling of bullying complaints was beset by conflicts of interest and failed to adequately address the allegations made against board members, indicating potential systemic issues in internal governance.

What is the stated reason for the discontinuation of the Bribe Payers Index (BPI)?

The stated reason for the discontinuation of the Bribe Payers Index (BPI) was due to funding issues and a strategic decision to focus on issues more aligned with the organization's advocacy goals, rather than continuing the specific index.

What does the "Global Go To Think Tank Index Report" indicate about Transparency International's standing?

The "Global Go To Think Tank Index Report" ranked Transparency International highly, placing it at #9 among non-U.S. think tanks and #27 overall in its 2016 report, underscoring its significant influence and recognition in the field of policy research.

What is the legal status of Transparency International as an organization?

Transparency International is an international non-governmental organization and is legally registered in Germany as a voluntary association (Eingetragener Verein), which defines its organizational and legal framework.

What specific action did Transparency International Russia face in Russia in March 2023?

In March 2023, Transparency International was declared an "undesirable organization" in Russia, a designation that typically leads to the cessation of its activities within the country.

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About Transparency International

Mission and Purpose

Transparency International e.V. (TI) is a German registered association founded in 1993. Its core mission is to combat global corruption and prevent criminal activities arising from it, employing civil society-driven anti-corruption measures. TI operates as a powerful, worldwide coalition dedicated to ending the detrimental impact of corruption on individuals and societies.

Global Reach

Headquartered in Berlin, Germany, TI functions as an umbrella organization. Its membership has expanded significantly since its inception, now encompassing over 100 national chapters. These chapters actively engage in combating perceived corruption within their respective countries, contributing to TI's global efforts.

Organizational Status

TI is recognized as an international non-governmental organization (NGO) and operates as a non-profit entity. Its legal status in Germany is that of an "Eingetragener Verein," a registered voluntary association. The organization is also affiliated with various international bodies, including UNESCO consultative status and the United Nations Global Compact.

History and Evolution

Founding and Early Development

Transparency International was established on February 9, 1993, in The Hague, Netherlands, and formally registered in Berlin, Germany, on June 15, 1993. Its founding was influenced by key individuals, including former World Bank employees, who sought to address corruption on a global scale. The organization's early development benefited from the contributions of prominent figures in Germany and internationally.

Key Milestones

TI introduced the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) in 1995, a seminal report that ranked countries based on perceived public sector corruption, drawing from surveys of business professionals. This index, though initially facing methodological critiques, played a significant role in raising global awareness about corruption. TI also published the Bribe Payers Index (BPI) from 1999 to 2011 and has since released regular "Exporting Corruption" reports.

1995: Launch of the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI).
1999-2011: Publication of the Bribe Payers Index (BPI).
2005 onwards: Regular publication of "Exporting Corruption" reports assessing global exporters' bribery performance.
2015: Development of the "Transparency International Strategy 2020."
2016: Partnership established with the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP).
2023: Recognized as a key partner in AI and chatbot initiatives for transparency.

International Recognition

Transparency International is recognized for its significant contributions to global governance and anti-corruption efforts. It is listed among the top global think tanks, reflecting its influence in policy and advocacy. TI's work aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to peace, justice, and strong institutions.

Key Publications and Tools

Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI)

The CPI is TI's flagship publication, ranking countries and territories based on perceived levels of public sector corruption. It aggregates data from various reputable institutions and surveys, reflecting expert and business community perceptions. While criticized by some for measuring perception rather than absolute reality, TI argues that perceptions significantly influence actions and policy decisions.

Global Corruption Barometer (GCB)

The GCB directly surveys citizens about their personal experiences with corruption in their daily lives. It provides insights into the lived realities of corruption, complementing the CPI's perception-based approach. This tool helps understand how corruption affects ordinary people and identifies specific sectors or services most affected.

Other Research and Assessments

TI also produces the Global Corruption Report, which delves into specific thematic issues like corruption in climate change or defense sectors. Additionally, National Integrity System assessments analyze a country's mechanisms for combating corruption, providing country-specific insights and recommendations. The "Exporting Corruption" reports specifically rate the performance of major global exporters in preventing bribery.

Organizational Structure

National Chapters

Transparency International's operational strength lies in its network of independent national chapters. These local organizations are staffed by experts who understand the specific corruption challenges and contexts within their countries. They are instrumental in tailoring anti-corruption strategies and implementing advocacy and legal reforms at the national level.

Global Collaboration

The national chapters play a vital role in shaping TI's collective work and achieving its regional and global objectives. Their grassroots efforts complement the international advocacy and research conducted by the secretariat. This decentralized yet coordinated approach allows TI to address corruption effectively across diverse national landscapes.

Leadership and Governance

The organization's leadership structure includes a Board of Directors and an Advisory Council composed of individuals with extensive experience in TI's field. Management roles, such as CEO and Chair, guide the organization's strategic direction and operational execution. Recent leadership transitions include the appointment of Maíra Martini as CEO in early 2025.

Controversies and Criticisms

Methodological Concerns

TI's flagship Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) has faced criticism for relying on perceptions rather than objective measurements of corruption. Critics argue this can embed an "elite bias" and may not accurately reflect the reality of corruption in all countries. Furthermore, the CPI has been noted for potentially overlooking corruption within the corporate sector.

Funding and Perceived Impartiality

Questions have been raised regarding TI's funding sources, which include governments and multinational corporations, some of which have faced corruption allegations themselves. This has led to concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the organization's perceived impartiality. TI maintains rigorous due diligence processes for its corporate donors.

Internal Issues and Disaccreditations

TI has faced internal challenges, including reports of bullying, harassment, and abuse of power by board members and senior management, leading to staff departures and legal settlements. The organization has also disaccredited national chapters, such as TI Croatia in 2015 and TI USA in 2017, citing philosophical differences and concerns over governance and funding practices.

Political Allegations (Brazil)

In Brazil, leaked conversations suggested alleged political maneuvering by TI Brazil and prosecutors involved in "Operation Car Wash," including plans to influence elections and target political adversaries. These allegations led to investigations by Brazil's auditing court concerning TI's role in the imprisonment of former President Lula da Silva.

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References

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Global Integrity Watch

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About Transparency International ℹ️

⚖️ Mission and Purpose

🌍 Global Reach

🏢 Organizational Status

History and Evolution 📜

🕰️ Founding and Early Development

📈 Key Milestones

🏛️ International Recognition

Key Publications and Tools 📊

📄 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI)

🗣️ Global Corruption Barometer (GCB)

📚 Other Research and Assessments

Organizational Structure 🏛️

🌐 National Chapters

🤝 Global Collaboration

👥 Leadership and Governance

Controversies and Criticisms ⚠️

❓ Methodological Concerns

💰 Funding and Perceived Impartiality

🗣️ Internal Issues and Disaccreditations

🇧🇷 Political Allegations (Brazil)

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References

📜 References

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

About Transparency International

Mission and Purpose

Global Reach

Organizational Status

History and Evolution

Founding and Early Development

Key Milestones

International Recognition

Key Publications and Tools

Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI)

Global Corruption Barometer (GCB)

Other Research and Assessments

Organizational Structure

National Chapters

Global Collaboration

Leadership and Governance

Controversies and Criticisms

Methodological Concerns

Funding and Perceived Impartiality

Internal Issues and Disaccreditations

Political Allegations (Brazil)

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice