Bribery and corruption aren’t just risks for governments or multinational corporations. They’re issues that can affect any workplace, in any industry. When asking, “What is bribery and corruption?” it’s important to understand both the definitions and the serious consequences these behaviors can have on organizational culture and reputation.
Defining Bribery and Corruption
Bribery is the offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting of something of value to influence the actions of an individual in a position of power. This can be money, gifts, favors, or services meant to sway decisions unfairly.
Corruption is a broader term that includes bribery but also encompasses unethical or dishonest conduct by those in power, often to gain personal or organizational advantage. It includes fraud, nepotism, embezzlement, and other abuses of entrusted authority.
Examples of Bribery and Corruption
- A supplier offers a procurement officer expensive gifts in exchange for favorable contract terms.
- A local government official accepts cash to approve permits or overlook violations.
- An employee manipulates internal processes to award contracts to friends or family members.
These are not just theoretical risks—they happen in organizations across all sectors and geographies.
The Impact on the Workplace
Bribery and corruption can damage an organization’s internal culture, reduce employee morale, and erode trust. They can also lead to:
- Regulatory investigations and criminal charges
- Hefty fines and sanctions under laws like the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) or UK Bribery Act
- Loss of contracts, clients, or public funding
- Lasting harm to brand reputation
Building a Culture of Integrity
The best defense against bribery and corruption is a proactive culture of ethics and compliance. Employers should:
- Provide regular anti-bribery and corruption training
- Enforce clear policies and a strong code of conduct
- Enable anonymous reporting through whistleblower channels
- Monitor for high-risk transactions or relationships
Why This Matters Now
Regulators and watchdogs are increasing scrutiny on corporate conduct, and employees are more aware than ever of ethical lapses. Understanding what is bribery and corruption helps organizations stay compliant and do the right thing.
How Emtrain Can Help
At Emtrain, we embed ethics and compliance education into everyday workplace behavior. Our training solutions empower employees to recognize red flags, speak up, and foster a workplace culture built on trust and accountability.
Learn more about how we can help your organization prevent bribery and corruption through behavior-based training and analytics.
