Novartis doesn’t tolerate bribery. Bribery means giving, offering, or receiving an improper benefit with the intention of influencing the behavior of someone to obtain or retain a commercial advantage. Bribery can take a variety of forms – offering or giving money or anything else of value. In fact, even common business practices or social activities – such as hospitality – can constitute bribes in some circumstances.
Our Anti-Bribery Policy (PDF 0.3 MB) explicitly states expectations for all associates. We also clearly state our standards in the Novartis Code of Ethics (PDF 4.1 MB). Specific principles governing Professional Practices are set out in our harmonized Professional Practices Policy (P3) (PDF 1.0 MB), and Third Party risk is governed by our Anti-Bribery Third Party Guideline.
Novartis has participated in a collective action, together with other pharmaceutical companies, to develop relevant indicators that aim to enhance reporting on companies’ anti-corruption efforts to external stakeholders. The outcome of this action initiated by the Norges Bank Investment Management and facilitated by the Basel Institute on Governance resulted in a guidance note, which contains 17 indicators covering five broad themes, namely, Culture, Risk Management, Third Parties, Compliance Function, and Oversight.
How we address these indicators for Anti-Bribery Compliance across the different areas can be found in our Anti-Bribery report (PDF 1.2 MB).
Our Ethics, Risk & Compliance program educates associates and monitors conformity with these standards and industry codes of practice. Our SpeakUp Office investigates all allegations of misconduct.