Christopher Hubbard
PHIL101-1502A-05
Daniel T. Agosto
April 10th 2014
BRIBERY IN INDIA: A GOOD THING?
Kestenbaum’s article on NPR, “bribery in India, a good thing?” reports that economists agree that bribe can be a good thing. In India it is a common practice to issue low level bribes so as to get business license. This is used to avoid obstacles in carrying out business activities. An interview conducted by Kestenbaum revealed that bribery can be a good thing if given out for a good cause. Economist reasons that bribery boosts economic activities through speeding up process such as judicial, business and property management. It is important to note that the culture is common practice therefore the community supports the practice. Mr. Singh (the interviewee) depicts that in the beginning he had objected to the involvement in the corrupt dealings. However, in participating in the business industry he discovered that as much as corruption is against his principle, it is a necessary action.
The level of red tape and bureaucracy in the processes to start an enterprise and receive a license can be long. Individuals involved in the acquiring documents can be discouraged through denial and long procedures that take many days. Conversely, if the payment of bribe can speedy up the process and approval of necessary documentation then it would speed the economic development activities. In addition, the recipient of the bribe considered as a ‘God’. This means that they act as a protector to the business welfare as well as property hence long term survival of operation. In reality, corruption is an ethical issue that erodes an individual virtue and principle. This leads to the economic discrimination in that the highest bidder is considered for opportunities. If the society removes the notion that there necessary unethical practices and follow legal procedures would enable build the nation positively. In addition, there is insufficient justification to the participation to corruption by any member of society.
BRIBERY IN MEXICO
Foreign business have faced ethical dilemma in the procedures for expansion and acquisition ventures. Multinational companies especially from the US have been governed by the foreign corrupt practices act that was enacted in 1977 to withhold any corrupt act within foreign lands. This was a legislature that sets ethical standards for the business practices. However, countries such as Mexico have a common practice of issuing bribe as a way to speed up business process. A case against Walmart officials revealed that they were involved in a corrupt deal as they attempted to acquisition property in Mexico. Arguments have been reported that the bribery or ‘mordida’ issue has been enforced as a culture. A business official Jose Amanete Perez explicitly quoted that, “It’s like the mafia. Once you start paying them, they expect it all the time.” This was said in regards to an
