(Corruption Accounting: A Normative Research Based on the GRI 205 Standard)

Abstract

Purpose – The aim of this study is to explain why acts of corruption and the fight against corruption are among the priority issues of accounting today. In addition, the adequacy of mandatory disclosures within the scope of corruption accounting was discussed and normative suggestions were made. Design/Method/Approach – The normative research approach was adopted in this study. Within the framework of the approach, norms and standards related to corruption accounting were examined. The scope of the research is the United Nations Convention against Corruption, United Nations Global Compact and the Anti-Corruption Standard 205 published by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). Findings – Both the United Nations Anti-Corruption Convention and the United Nations Global Compact confirm that the fight against corruption is one of the components that should be addressed in ensuring sustainable development. It is understood that efforts are made to ensure that the GRI 205 indicators provide useful non-financial information to stakeholders on the fight against corruption. Discussion – GRI 205 indicators are considered to provide flexibility to organizations in terms of reporting practice. Organizations can provide very detailed information based on these indicators, or they can keep the level of knowledge low. In addition, in large-scale corruption acts, it is a frequent case that while one party is public sector, the other one is a private sector actor. Therefore, it is considered necessary to include an indicator titled anti-corruption policies and procedures in agreements with the public sector under the GRI 205.