Equip Your Team to Turn Down Bribes
Commercial bribes are illegal in
many countries, but members of your team may still encounter officials who
demand them.
- To handle these sensitive situations, prepare people to respond. Often a bribe isn’t about money — it’s about respect. So empower managers on the ground to say, “I can’t give you a bribe, but what I can do is…”
- You might offer the official or their staff members a chance to participate in high-level decisions about your company’s commitment to the local community. Or you could talk about the official’s desired legacy and promise to publicly highlight their involvement in a mutually beneficial way.
- And be realistic about the costs of saying no to a bribe request. Could it lead to delays in delivery (if a customs official refuses to release goods at the border until he gets a kickback)?
- To failing to win a contract (if a minister expects a 10% cut of the procurement deal)? When needed, adjust cost and timing estimates so that your company can pursue its goals in an ethical, sustainable way.
Source :HBR
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