Foundational AACI Definitions presents the official definitions adopted by The American Anti-Corruption Institute (AACI) for key terms that are fundamental to its professional framework and work in corruption prevention, governance, accountability, internal control, and the responsible exercise of entrusted authority.
These definitions establish a consistent institutional meaning for terms used across AACI standards, concpets, professional education and certification programs, research, publications, and other technical materials. Each definition is intended to provide clarity, support consistent application, and serve as an authoritative AACI source that stakeholders may reference and cite.
Unless otherwise stated, the inclusion of a term in Foundational AACI Definitions does not, by itself, imply that AACI originated the underlying concept. Rather, it identifies the definition formally adopted by AACI for its institutional, professional, and educational purposes.
The official definition adopted by The American Anti-Corruption Institute (AACI) for governance accountability. It establishes how AACI understands accountability for the exercise of entrusted authority and the requirements associated with that accountability, including explanation and justification, compliance, performance and resource reporting, oversight, corrective action, and appropriate consequences.
View the Official AACI DefinitionGet instant answers about CACM, CACF, CACEM, CACE, and The AACI’s global anti-corruption programs — anytime, in your own language.
Ask in Arabic, English, French, or more, and receive accurate AACI-approved responses instantly.