Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) scores for 47 countries reported by Transparency International were used to ascertain determinants of bribe taking in international business. Two sets of independent variables – economic and cultural – were used in a multiple regression analysis. Results indicate that bribe taking was more likely to be prevalent in countries with low per capita income and lower disparities in income distribution. Cultural factors such as high power distance and high masculinity in a country were also likely to (...) be associated with high level of bribe taking. Both economic and cultural factors were important explanatory factors of bribery. Implications of the findings for combating bribery are discussed. (shrink)

This study proposes and empirically tests the conceptual model of bribe giving decision process under the ethical decision context. Four alternative structural models are tested against one another with data collected from an experiment with Thai managers. Findings suggest that intention to give bribe is positively influenced by attitude toward bribe giving and subjective norm, and negatively by perceived choice. Attitude toward bribe giving is, in turn, positively affected by perceived necessity of the bribe and negatively by perceived unethicality of (...) the act. Subjective norm, on the other hand, is positively influenced by perceived support of the act by top management. There are also direct, bi-causal, positive relations between attitude toward bribe giving and subjective norm. Managerial implications, limitations, and future research directions are also discussed. (shrink)