The business world is particularly active in promoting corrupt practices among politicians and higher officials.
Developed country business interests competing for markets in developing countries or embarking on direct investments in industrial enterprises there (either independently or in joint ventures with indigenous firms or governments), make use of bribery of higher officials and politicians in order to facilitate a business deal. It is often necessary to bribe both high and low officials in order to run the enterprises without any obstacles. Some transnational firms are abetted by their own headquarters' country governments in covertly or corruptly influencing local authorities. Multinationals may also bribe their own consulate officials to engage in unethical behaviour to further their business interests.