Business bribery

Nature

Although bribes and influence peddling have always been part of the international and local business scenes for thousands of years, sophisticated business cheating is on the increase. It is not only the criminal elements involved in bribery but well-placed individuals, high government officials and reputable corporations. It is a global problem caused by greed. Relegation of religious and ethical values to the background, the desire for material wealth and glorification of unethical practices through the media have all made their contributions. Profit has become an end in itself. Public relation campaigns with their business junkets, gifts to potential buyers or legislators, donations to political parties have turned grey and debatable ethical considerations. Ethical judgements are nearly impossible. A history of bribery and influence peddling during the colonial period or the purposes of maintaining power and profiteering eroded the ethics of both the colonial power and the colony. Object poverty set in the daily context on the media of wealth and power further erode ethical standards.

Background

Business bribery emerged as a recognized global concern in the late 20th century, notably following high-profile scandals such as the Lockheed bribery cases of the 1970s. These incidents exposed the pervasive influence of illicit payments in international commerce, prompting multilateral responses like the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention (1997). Over time, increased cross-border trade and investigative journalism have further illuminated the systemic nature and far-reaching consequences of bribery within corporate environments worldwide.

Incidence

Business bribery remains a pervasive issue affecting both developed and developing economies, with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime estimating that over US$1 trillion is paid in bribes globally each year. The problem undermines fair competition, distorts markets, and erodes public trust in institutions, with high-profile cases regularly surfacing across sectors such as construction, energy, and pharmaceuticals.
In 2022, a major bribery scandal emerged in South Africa involving the global consulting firm Bain & Company, which was accused of paying bribes to secure lucrative government contracts during the country’s state capture era, prompting international investigations and sanctions.

Claim

Business bribery is a deeply corrosive problem that undermines fair competition, erodes public trust, and fuels corruption at every level of society. It distorts markets, rewards unethical behavior, and punishes honest businesses. Allowing bribery to persist not only damages economic growth but also perpetuates inequality and injustice. Addressing business bribery is absolutely essential for creating transparent, accountable, and sustainable economies that benefit everyone, not just the corrupt few.

Counter-claim

Business bribery is vastly overblown as a concern. In reality, it’s a minor issue that rarely impacts the broader economy or everyday business operations. Most companies operate ethically, and isolated incidents of bribery are exceptions, not the rule. Excessive focus on this so-called problem only distracts from more pressing economic challenges. Frankly, the energy spent worrying about business bribery would be better directed elsewhere, as it’s simply not a significant threat.