Providing a present is a universally recognized means of expressing interest, admiration, and also a way to show gratitude, while also fostering relationships with other people. It is reasonable to want to treat your business contacts properly, to send them a Christmas hamper or to show respect by giving them a modest gift at this time of the year. However, The gap between a genuine gift and a bribe, might be difficult to ascertain. Conflicts of interest can arise, and a manager may expose himself or his organization to charges of corruption or even illicit behaviour as a result of his or her actions.
A gift is something of value that is offered without the expectation of receiving something in return. In contrast, bribery is the same behavior as extortion, but with the hope of gaining influence or benefiting from the transaction. either can be monetary or actual things. Even while bribes are typically thought of as being in the form of cash, this is not necessarily the case in practice. Furthermore, although a little present given around Christmas time may not raise too many questions, a gift offered during a contract tender process may be construed as a bribe, no matter how innocent the item may seem to be. It is also important to be mindful of the time at all times.
At my previous place of work, during the Christmas season, customers would usually request that we present gifts of significant value to them. These gifts are meant to be offered as rewards during the customers’ annual party, they would usually participate in a game (at no cost) at these parties, and the winners receive a range of prizes. it is also common practice for suppliers to offer their gifts as a substitute for the actual prize. In extremely severe situations, suppliers may even request to pay a portion or the full cost of these celebrations.
These gifts and costs, which are occasionally collected under the guise of sponsorship,’ while some of my colleagues had different opinions, I never considered this actions appropriate. They are neither sensible nor produced with good intentions. The fact that the presents are given at random to the customers makes no difference in this regard. It is clearly illegal to provide these gifts and costs since there is a very significant chance that they would be seen as bribery for contract offers. we must ensure that such activities are not made as an inducement for the purpose of obtaining any improper advantage or favour.
As you can see, ‘questionable payment’ is a really tricky subject that raises a lot of concerns and encourages a lot of different interpretations.
Which paradigm works with the objectives of the organization?