A bribe entails giving or receiving something of value to influence an official to discharge duty in a pre-determined way. When someone gives or receives a bribe, it means that they are corrupt. This is considered unethical and unacceptable despite the prevailing circumstances. How does the state deal with bribery and corruption?  Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption policy sets out rules that govern the conduct of citizens in the United States, thus reinforcing people’s obligation to be honest, and ethical in all their dealings. The policy is applied to all employees

Workplace Anti-Bribery Rules

People prefer to work with trustworthy companies. Every employee should endeavor to protect the company’s and own interests by demonstrating integrity and honesty while dealing with business partners or customers. Employees are encouraged to report any cases of bribery to an appropriate office as soon as they can.

Anticorruption Policy

It is unlawful for one to give a bribe in exchange for a favor. Addressing corruption calls for various countries that share a common vision with the United States to take deliberate action to combat corruption. The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) oversees the implementation of anti-corruption principles and commitments. The anti-corruption policy is aimed at promoting economic growth, stability, and democracy in the United States.

Employee Corruption

The US government prohibits the hiring of government officials’ relatives to gain business or any state action. Businesses need to review anti-corruption policies and recruitment procedures to enhance ethical and legal practices. Upon engagement, no employee should receive a bribe from a customer for a business dealing or any other favor. Some of the employee corrupt practices that are prohibited include Payroll manipulation, Theft of data, or receiving money or gifts directly to favor someone. It is unlawful to discriminate job applicants based on race, sex, color, religion or age. Employees should decline any corrupt deal that may put their reputation at a risk.

Anti-Corruption Statement

Bribery and corruption are considered illegal as they are against company values. The employees and companies involved in these vices risk being penalized, fined, or imprisoned.

The statement is as follows:

“Bribery is not acceptable”. We will not attempt to influence others by receiving, paying or offering kickbacks or bribes or behave in a manner that is unethical or that which may harm our reputation and compromise our integrity and honesty”

Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption Policy

There is a Compliance Committee that oversees corruption and bribery risk assessment within an organization. It also undertakes control evaluation and reports Anti-bribery risks to the board of directors and senior management.

Conclusion

Corruption is prevalent in many states regardless of economic status. It is the root cause of poverty and unfair distribution of income and wealth. The most straightforward way of dealing with bribery and corruption is by refusing to take or give a bribe. More importantly, the government should constantly update the anti-bribery and anti-corruption policies and ensure that all employees adhere to them. The employees should be encouraged to say no to facilitation payments and report any suspected cases immediately.