Igor Álvarez Etxeberria

Divulgación de información sobre corrupción: empresas del IBEX 35

Interest in the relationship between corruption and the private sector has increased in recent times. This paper aims to explore this issue with social effects from a double perspective: on one hand, knowing the reality of the disclosure of corruption in the IBEX 35 Spanish companies, and later try to analyze what are the underlying motivations for such practices and possible implications for internal management. To achieve this goal, initially conducted an exploratory analysis of information on corruption issued by the Ibex 35 companies in their sustainability reports and then –based on the Legitimacy Theory– conducted an in depth interview with a person responsible for CSR, in order to detect the motivations and implications in management. The conclusions reached are: firstly, the information on corruption provided by the companies can specify in three general aspects (anti-corruption policy, audit and control systems, and mechanisms of implementation). Secondly, we have identified three clusters in the companies, highlighting the company Telefonica because of it particular behaviour. Lastly, when analyzing the case of this company, we have seen how it intends to maintain a high level of legitimacy, for it attempts to comply with rules socially constructed, and used the disclosure to continue its status as a “legitimate business” and try to create value and confidence. However, the procedures relating to the management of corruption not seem to have reached the level of specificity that is currently required.