Deutsche Telekom does not tolerate corruption. We create an environment in which compliance and integrity form the basis of everything we do.
Deutsche Telekom is committed to ethical principles as well as to compliance with laws and regulations throughout the Group. Deutsche Telekom is particularly committed to fighting corruption and promoting clean business. Because we are convinced that compliance and integrity are the basis for the trust of our customers and business partners. Therefore, we prohibit any form of corruption, including kickback and facilitation payments. Timotheus Höttges, CEO of Deutsche Telekom, emphasizes: "Good corporate governance is essential. We must conduct our business in accordance with the law and regulations at all times."
Deutsche Telekom has implemented a compliance management system that is specifically focused on preventing corruption and includes extensive anti-corruption measures. These include:
- Compliance risk assessment: We regularly conduct a Compliance Risk Assessment to identify and assess compliance risks at an early stage. On this basis, appropriate preventive measures can be initiated. One focus here is the issue of corruption.
- Training and communication: Through in-person trainings and e-learnings, we draw attention to the existing anti-corruption policy and help employees to identify typical corruption risks in their everyday work and to behave appropiately. In addition, we regularly raise awareness among our employees through communication measures on our social intranet, at events or discussion groups. On the United Nations' annual International Anti-Corruption Day on December 9, Deutsche Telekom regularly renews its commitment: "Deutsche Telekom does not tolerate corruption!"
- Policies and regulations: Deutsche Telekom has many internal guidelines to prevent corruption. Our Code of Conduct prohibits any form of corruption. This is specified by further internal guidelines. These include the "Group Benefits Policy" and the "Group Policy for engaging intermediaries and lobbyists".
Timotheus Höttges, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Deutsche Telekom AG: "Good leadership is essential to me. I expect business to be done in a compliant manner at Deutsche Telekom." © Deutsche Telekom
Ferri Abolhassan, Board member for T-Systems: “As a global IT service provider, compliance and integrity are the foundation of our success. In our increasingly fast-paced and complex world, consistent adherence to compliance rules secures the trust of our customers and employees and protects our company from liability and reputational risks.” © Deutsche Telekom
Birgit Bohle, Board member for Human Resources and Legal Affairs, Labor Director: "Trust, integrity and an open dialogue are the basis for our cooperation. That leaves no room for corruption in our company!" © Deutsche Telekom
Rodrigo Diehl, Board member Deutsche Telekom AG and Managing Director, Telekom Deutschland GmbH: Our business success is based on the trust our customers and business partners place in us. We must earn this trust every day. Therefore, 100% clean and transparent business in line with our processes is essential for us. We do not tolerate corruption! © Deutsche Telekom/photo: Marlena König
Dr. Christian P. Illek, Board member for Finance (CFO): "Sustainable management and working with integrity are decisive factors for our success. The resulting high reputation secures the future of our company." © Deutsche Telekom
Dominique Leroy, Board member for Europe: “Compliant business is the main pillar for successful business. This belief is what unites us all”. © Deutsche Telekom
Abdu Mudesir, Board member for Technology and Innovation at Deutsche Telekom AG: “Integrity builds the trust that makes innovation possible - it’s the foundation for turning technology into sustainable, high impact solutions that earn a strong reputation." © Deutsche Telekom AG, photo: Norbert Ittermann
Exchange of experiences in dialogue
Deutsche Telekom regularly works with associations and organizations that fight corruption. We took advantage of the opportunity to exchange experiences and to continuously develop our compliance management system.
UN Global Compact
Furthermore, as a strategic member, Deutsche Telekom has committed itself to the Code of Values of the UN Global Compact. In doing so, we declare our willingness to actively implement the ten Global Compact principles. According to the tenth principle of this set of values, companies should fight against all forms of corruption, including extortion and bribery.