Ethical Issues: Bribery

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the ethical dilemma of doing business in countries where bribery is an inherent part of the economic structure. The author summarizes some arguments for and against bribery, and points out that the imposition of Western ethics on other cultures is itself unethical. The negative and positive implications of paying or not paying bribes are also discussed. The paper concludes that economic benefits and costs must be strongly considered on a case by case basis before offering any bribe, even if it is standard operating procedure in that country.

Outline:
Summary
Critical Analysis
Implications
Recommendations

From the Paper:

"One of the main objections to this is that in many countries these underlying beliefs are invalid. For example, the very concept of the rule of law may not exist , or it may exist in a radically different form. While nations can, on a global scale, seek to build Western legal frameworks in developing countries, the reality on the ground for individual corporations is different. Moreover, in many cases the notion that the local government is concerned with improving governance and alleviating poverty is mere wishful thinking, an inappropriate application of Western idealism. Under such circumstances, rejecting bribery becomes a futile gesture that serves only to hinder a company's business prospects."

Sample of Sources Used:

• No author. (2008). Transparency International 2008 Corruption Perceptions Index. Transparency International. Retrieved September 24, 2008 from http://www.transparency.org/content/download/36508/574364.
• Garcia, Jesse & Kaiser, Gypsy Guillen. (2006). Leading Exporters Undermine Development with Dirty Business Overseas. Transparency International. Retrieved September 24, 2008 from http://www.transparency.org/news_room/latest_news/press_releases/2006/en_2006_10_04_bpi_2006
• Eiras, Ana Isabel. (2003). Ethics, Corruption and Economic Freedom. Heritage Foundation. Retrieved September 24, 2008 from http://www.heritage.org/Research/TradeandForeignAid/HL813.cfm$
• Rothbard, Murray N. (1982) Chapter 17: The Ethics of Bribery, from The Ethics of Liberty. Published online by Ludwig von Mises Institute. Retrieved online September 24, 2008 from http://mises.org/story/2578
• Katz, David M. (2005). The Bribery Gap. CFO Magazine. Retrieved September 24, 2008 from http://www.cfo.com/article.cfm/3515775/c_2984290/?f=archives

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