Background
Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) is the National Chapter of Transparency International (TI), the leading global movement against corruption. TISL raises awareness of the damaging effects of corruption and works with partners in government, business and civil society to develop and implement effective measures to tackle it. TISL is based in Colombo and has three regional offices in Matara, Vavuniya and Kandy.
Overall Objective
TISL seeks the services of a dynamic and competent production team to develop creative video/s for digital channels, to shed light on the negative impact of corruption in the private sector organizations in Sri Lanka. The video/s will illustrate the impact of corruption in the private sector as a perpetrator or enabler of corruption, and one of the sectors as a victim of corruption
The production team has the freedom to use humor, sarcasm, fear or any other emotional elements to help reach a bigger audience and impact (subject to final approval by TISL). Through the video, TISL intends to deepen the public and the private sector organizations understanding of the corruption vulnerabilities in the private sector.
Scope of Work
The selected production team will be responsible for the following tasks:
Video Production:
- Creative video/s for digital channels using live characters or animations.
- The production team has the freedom to decide the no. of videos to be produced to cover the required scope with in the budget.
- Content development: Work closely with TISL to develop the content for the video, ensuring clarity and relevance. A research document shared herewith has additional information.
- Video Editing: Handle filming, editing and post-production to ensure the final video is of high quality and meet the standards to post on mainstream media as well as social media.
Languages and Subtitles
The message should be delivered in Sinhala, Tamil & English. The creative agency has the freedom to decide on how they are going to produce the video in all three languages.
Timeline
The production team needs to complete the video production by 24th August 2024.
Budget
Available budget is LKR 2 million and the supplier will be selected on value for money and on the creative concept presented.
Proposal Submission
Interested production teams are invited to submit proposals showcasing the following;
- A creative and inspirational concept targeted at raising awareness on the negative impact of corruption in private sector.
- Proposed call to action/ tag lines to urge for transparency and accountability.
- Samples of similar past campaigns/work.
- Company profile/ qualifications of team members.
- Proposed cost breakdown for the video development.
- Ability to complete the activity within the above deadlines. (include rough timeline).
Contact Details
Proposals on the specifications, along with a detailed budget should be emailed to careers@tisrilanka.org with “Corruption in the Private Sector” mentioned in the subject line before 05th July 2024. The most competitive supplier will be selected on a value-for-money basis. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to pitch their concept to TISL.
For further information related to this project contact Maleen on 0777 334420.
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Background information on Private Sector Corruption
Private sector corruption
The abuse of professional obligations within a corporation or other non-governmental entity for private gain. For example, private sector corruption occurs when a corporate employee sells commercial secrets to a competitor. The term is also used more broadly for situations where individuals or groups from the private sector influence public officials to take decisions and actions that constitute abuses of entrusted power. One example would be corporations offering bribes to public officials in exchange for favourable legislation or lucrative contracts.
Corruption
The abuse of entrusted power for private gain. Although this is the most common definition, other definitions exist. The World Bank, for example, defines corruption more narrowly as “abuse of public office for private gain”. All expert/specialist variations nevertheless include three common elements: abuse (misuse, violation) of entrusted power (duty, office, etc.) and private benefit. In everyday language, the term is used more broadly to denote a wide variety of objectionable or immoral acts, and not only those associated with formal duty.
Bribery
The offer or exchange of money, services or other valuables to influence the judgment or conduct of a person in a position of entrusted power. The benefit does not need to go to the official in question directly – it can go to a spouse, a child, another relative, a friend, or even to the official’s political party as a donation. A bribe is sometimes paid after the fact – for instance, in monthly instalments to the official issuing permits to street vendors as long as they are allowed to operate. This form of bribery is called a kickback. Bribery is widely criminalised, and both the party paying the bribe and the party receiving may be liable (see active bribery/ passive bribery). However, in practice, certain forms of bribery are often exempt from prosecution (see facilitation payments).
Extortion
The practice of obtaining something (money, favours, property) through the use of threats or force. For example, extortion takes place when armed guards exact money for passage through a roadblock. Withholding life-saving medical attention unless a bribe is paid could also be considered an act of extortion. See also sextortion, which involves threats or force to obtain sexual benefits.
Embezzlement
The misappropriation of property or funds legally entrusted to someone in their formal position as an agent or guardian. Accountants and financial managers typically have access to an agency’s funds and so are in a position to embezzle them. Other forms of embezzlement include the taking of supplies, equipment, etc.
Facilitation payments
Refer to relatively small, individual amounts paid beyond the official fees to speed up services such as customs clearance, work permits, border crossings, etc. Technically, these are a bribe. In many countries, however, facilitation payments by companies doing business abroad are exempt from prosecution for bribery in their home countries as long as they are used to speed up legal processes, rather than to avoid regulations. This exception recognises the fact that in certain settings, it is impossible to operate a business without conceding to such payments.
Sextortion
The abuse of power to obtain a sexual benefit or advantage. Related to the concept of extortion.
Shell companies
A shell company is a non-trading company, which is used as a vehicle for various financial manoeuvres, illicit purposes, or which is kept dormant for future use in some other capacity. Shell companies are usually incorporated in a jurisdiction in which it has no physical presence and is unaffiliated with a regulated group.
Whistleblower
Whistleblowers are people who inform the public or the authorities about corrupt transactions and/or other unlawful or immoral behaviour they have witnessed or uncovered. These individuals often require protection from those they expose. Whistleblower protection refers to the measures taken to shield the informer from retaliation.
Forms of corruption
Bribery: Offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting something of value (such as money, gifts, or favors) to influence the actions or decisions of an individual in a position of authority. Bribery can occur in both public and private sectors.
Embezzlement: Misappropriation or theft of funds, assets, or property entrusted to an individual’s care, typically by someone in a position of trust or responsibility within an organization or government entity.
Kickbacks: Illicit payments or favors given to individuals or organizations in exchange for preferential treatment, such as awarding contracts or business opportunities.
Nepotism and Cronyism: Favoritism shown to family members, friends, or associates in matters such as employment, promotions, contracts, or other benefits, often at the expense of merit-based decision-making.
Extortion: Coercing or threatening individuals or entities to obtain money, property, or other advantages unlawfully. Extortion may involve using fear, intimidation, or abuse of power.
Conflict of Interest: Situations where individuals in positions of authority or responsibility have personal, financial, or other interests that could improperly influence their decisions or actions in their official capacity.
Money Laundering: Concealing the origins of illegally obtained money or assets by passing them through legitimate channels, making them appear as if they were acquired through lawful means.
Fraud: Deceptive practices or misrepresentation of information for personal gain or to deceive others, such as financial fraud, tax evasion, forgery, or false reporting.
Corrupt Procurement Practices: Rigging or manipulating procurement processes to favor specific suppliers, contractors, or vendors through collusion, bid-rigging, price-fixing, or other unethical tactics.
Abuse of Power: Misusing authority or official position for personal gain, to suppress dissent, or to infringe upon the rights of others. This can include political corruption, abuse of law enforcement powers, or regulatory capture.
Tax Evasion: Tax evasion in the private sector is the illegal act of deliberately underreporting income, inflating deductions, hiding assets, or engaging in other fraudulent activities to evade paying taxes that are legally owed. It involves deceptive practices aimed at reducing tax liabilities unlawfully, such as concealing income sources, falsifying financial records, misrepresenting expenses, using offshore accounts or tax shelters to hide assets, or engaging in cash-based transactions without proper reporting to tax authorities. Tax evasion is a violation of tax laws and regulations and can result in severe penalties, including fines, interest on unpaid taxes, civil penalties, criminal charges, and imprisonment.
Insider trading in the private sector involves trading stocks or securities based on confidential, material information not yet made public, giving individuals an unfair advantage and potentially distorting market fairness. It’s illegal and can lead to penalties like fines, disgorgement of profits, civil or criminal charges, and imprisonment.
Political Contributions: Financial contributions or support provided by private entities, including corporations and individuals, to political parties, candidates, or officials with the aim of influencing political decisions, policies, or outcomes in their favor.
Gifts and Hospitality in Private Sector corruption: The provision of material or non-material benefits, including gifts, entertainment, travel, or other favors, by private entities to public officials or employees of other organizations, with the intention of influencing their decisions, actions, or behavior in a manner that benefits the giver.”
How can the private sector be enabler of Corruption: In some cases, businesses or entities within the private sector can enable corruption by engaging in illicit activities or by providing opportunities for corrupt practices to occur. For example:
Facilitation Payments: Some companies may make small payments or offer gifts to expedite or secure business deals, which can contribute to a culture of corruption.
Lack of Due Diligence: Failure to conduct proper due diligence on business partners, suppliers, or employees can lead to engaging with corrupt entities or individuals.
Inadequate Compliance: Companies that lack robust compliance programs or ethical standards may inadvertently or knowingly participate in corrupt activities.
How can the private sector be perpetrators of Corruption: Certain actors within the private sector may actively engage in corrupt practices for personal gain or to gain unfair advantages over competitors. Examples include:
Bribery and Kickbacks: Offering or accepting bribes, kickbacks, or other illegal inducements to secure contracts, permits, or favorable treatment.
Embezzlement and Fraud: Misappropriating funds, engaging in financial fraud, or manipulating accounting practices to deceive stakeholders.
Cartels and Collusion: Forming cartels or engaging in collusion with competitors to fix prices, rig bids, or allocate markets unfairly.
How is the Private sector a Victim of Corruption: At the same time, the private sector can also be a victim of corruption, particularly when dealing with corrupt officials, regulatory hurdles, or unfair competition. Some ways in which the private sector can be victimized include:
Extortion and Coercion: Being subjected to extortion or coercion by corrupt officials or criminal networks, leading to financial losses or operational disruptions.
Unfair Competition: Competing against businesses that engage in corrupt practices, such as offering bribes or using insider connections to gain advantages.
Reputational Damage: Suffering reputational harm due to association with corrupt practices or being implicated in corruption scandals.