The topic of corruption is no longer taboo, thanks to the efforts of Transparency International and the World Bank. Ibrahim Shihata has written extensively about corruption and the efforts of the World Bank. He notes that anti-corruption efforts have taken place in six categories: economic reform, legal and judicial reform, administrative reform, other institutional reforms, moral reform, and international agreements and nonbinding recommendations. Soft law models may be more effective compliance mechanisms than are enforceable legal sanctions even when legal sanctions are available. Best practices certification is such an approach. Its four elements include: (1) the articulation of organizational best practices for preventing, exposing, and sanctioning corruption; (2) the promotion of certification; (3) certification; and (4) monitoring and recertification. Experts from the World Bank have developed a list of the internal procedures that are most likely to prevent, expose, and sanction corruption in private, public, and nongovernmental organizations. A package of best practices for companies and government agencies could include many specific elements. Companies and government agencies would need to prepare thoroughly to qualify for certification. A single certification would be for a limited time period and would expire automatically unless renewed. The process of certification would be voluntary and would involve a modest step-by-step approach for setting standards. 14 references