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Greasing the palm: can collectivism promote bribery?
1Joseph L. Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. nina.mazar@rotman.utoronto.ca
Psychological Science
|June 21, 2011
Summary
National culture impacts bribery. Collectivist cultures show a higher propensity to bribe, linked to a reduced sense of personal responsibility for actions in international business dealings.
Area of Science:
- Cross-cultural psychology
- Business ethics
- International business
Background:
- National differences in bribery prevalence are significant.
- Understanding cultural drivers of unethical behavior is crucial for global commerce.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of national culture, specifically collectivism versus individualism, on the propensity to offer bribes.
- To explore the mediating role of individual responsibility in this relationship.
Main Methods:
- Correlational study utilizing cross-national data.
- Laboratory experiment to assess behavioral propensities.
Main Results:
- A significant positive correlation was found between a nation's collectivism and the propensity to offer bribes.
- The relationship between collectivism and bribery was mediated by individuals' sense of responsibility.
Conclusions:
- Collectivist cultural values are associated with an increased likelihood of bribery in international business.
- Reduced perceived responsibility for actions in collectivist societies contributes to higher bribery rates.
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