The ethical issue of international bribery: A study of attitudes among U.S. business professionals
Justin G. Longenecker, Joseph A. McKinney, Carlos W. Moore
Journal of Business Ethics · 1988 · Volume 7 · Issue 5
Abstract
Restrictions upon international bribery by U.S. business firms, as incorporated in the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, have been controversial since this legislation was passed in 1977. Despite many attempts to repeal or change the law, it remains as originally enacted.This article reports on a survey of U.S. business professionals concerning international bribery. Response to our survey reveals a divided business community in terms of their opinions on the ethics of international payments prohibited by the present law.In addition to a lack of consensus about the morality of payments, the survey also reveals a diversity in the viewpoints of respondents. Moralism, pragmatism, cultural relativism, and legalism are four distinct underlying assumptions apparent in the attitudes of U.S. business professionals on the issue of questionable international payments.
Keywords
Economic Growth, Ethical Issue, Business Community, Cultural Relativism, Business Firm
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