NCJ Number
109036
Journal
Security Management Volume: 31 Issue: 2 Dated: (February 1987) Pages: 44-47,49
Date Published
1987
Length
5 pages
Annotation
In some parts of the world, bribes, financial consideration, or gifts may be a requirement of doing business, forcing international security managers to face the conflict between their own business ethics and the realities of business abroad.
Abstract
International managers who show some awareness of the cultural history of these exchanges will find it far easier to deal with individuals making such requests and to explain the need for such payments to the main office. They should maintain a certain philosophical detachment from the issue by recognizing that corruption has been around forever. They should also be aware of the content of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act passed by Congress in 1977. The law permits payments to low-level officials, but not to higher level officials. It deals only with government officials. Nevertheless, foreign bribery cases can be prosecuted under other laws. Managers should be aware that the main goal for people in foreign countries is to establish a long-term relationship that can be mutually beneficial. In many countries, the act of giving a gift to establish a friendship is a perfectly natural way of doing business. Managers should use a case-by-case approach in situations where small sums of money are requested. Larger payments may involve foreign bribery laws. History of bribery and case examples.