Running Header: DISCUSSION BOARD 1

Discussion Board one Jarrett Davis BUSI 560

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One example of unethical activity is bribery. Explain what it is, how common the practice is, and where it is found. In this paper, the ethical issue of bribery is approached and analyzed. Research is presented to define bribery and discover the scenario and settings in which it often takes place. Furthermore, the issue will be viewed from the Christian perspective. Bribery schemes are damaging to honest companies because they lose business to dishonest competitors. Typically, bribery takes place when an employee accepts payment for directing business to a vendor. This act, generally called a kickback scheme involves collusion between the employee and vendor (Tackett, 2010, p. 6). A softer version of bribery involves the use of illegal gratuities. These benefits are given as a gesture of friendship, intended to influence decisions in a general fashion. It is difficult to prove criminal intent when gratuities are utilized; therefore, gifts are often exchanged rather than cash. There does not always have to be a third party involved in such unethical behavior. An employee may have a hidden relationship that holds a higher priority than the wishes of their employer. This situation is called a conflict of interest, and could take place for example, if a car dealer negotiated an overly cheap price for a family friend. A study performed by the Ethics Resource Center found that unethical workplace conduct has been on the rise since the early 2000s (Lawrence & Webster, 2011). In addition to unethical behavior the Ethics Resource Center found high rates of companies operating with minimal ethics policies in place. Conflicts of interest were frequently detected, as well as a general culture of mistrust among

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employees. Fifty-six percent of surveyed employees observed such activities in their work place. All companies are linked to the external environment; therefore, they all are subject to bribery taking place. Employees that view themselves as underpaid and underappreciated could be tempted by bribery offerings. Furthermore, employees that have been passed over for a promotion or raise could also be tempted to partake in unethical behavior (Tackett, 2010). Vendors who had had past offerings rejected are also more likely to attempt gain leverage through bribery. A greater number of companies establish themselves globally each year. Bribery is a major problem for multinational firms (Asgary & Mitschow, 2002). In the global market, there are few ethical standards that are accepted by all cultures. Gift giving, a subtle form of bribery is common place within business practices of many cultures. Research suggests that foreign firms must conform to the host nations culture in order to be successful. The United States has passed anti-bribery legislation, but trade laws are not as strict in other nations. Actions that seem to be the cost of doing business in some nations can actually lead to significant damage to reputable companies (Gettler, 2011). Multinational companies can no longer accept bribery as a differing cultural norm or business method. International ethics and cultural sensitivity training should be implemented into organizational culture. Long term experience and education on doing business ethically is necessary in both the domestic and global market (Asgary & Mitschow, 2002). As Christians, we should understand that the best way to protect ourselves and our followers from the temptation of unethical behavior is the use of biblical principles. One who is living daily through the Christian spirit of hesed, understands

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that we are all mutually accountable to each other. We have a covenant to fulfill and in this covenant is an obligation to love and interact justly (Fischer, 2011). If we can live in this manner and teach it to others, we can overcome and resist misconduct.

References Asgary, N., & Mitschow, M. C. (2002). Toward a Model for International Business Ethics. Journal of Business Ethics. 36(3), 239-246 Fischer, K. (2011) Presentation: Worldview, Covenant & Ethics Gettler, L. (2011). Bribery risk goes global. Charter, 82(6), 26-27. Lawrence, A. T., & Weber, J. (2011). Business and society: stakeholders, ethics, public policy (13th ed.) McGraw-Hill-Irwin. ISBN. 9780078137150. Tackett, J. A. (2010). Bribery and corruption. Journal of Corporate Accounting & Finance (Wiley). 21(4), 5-9.