Article | 05 February 2015 Read time: 3 mins
Being offered a bribe is one of the most awkward situations any professional can find himself or herself in. You may politely but firmly decline the offer. In some cases, however, a firm “No” may not be sufficient or the safest move.
ADB defines bribery as the act of offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting, directly or indirectly, anything of value to influence improperly the actions of another party. A bribe can be disguised as a gift, money, property, privilege, or even a personal favor.
Here are a few tips on dealing with bribery in the workplace.
When you are offered a bribe directly, assess the situation first. Someone attempting to bribe you may apply a great deal of pressure on you to accept it. Assess whether declining the bribe could make things more complicated or could lead to a hostile situation. Be particularly cautious when dealing with someone who has power or is part of the same organization you are in.
Maintain presence of mind. A bribe can come in moments when you least expect it. In the event that you get caught off guard, try your best to take note of important details - who is bribing you; when and where you were approached; and what is being offered and what is at stake. These are specifics that can help back up your claim.
Be sure to notify your superior immediately and provide a full account of what took place. Timing is essential here. Choosing to delay notifying the proper authorities could put your integrity and credibility in question. Informing your supervisor or a person in authority is the most important thing to do if you are ever offered a bribe.
When declining is no longer an option, make no promises. You may have to accept the offer, but do not commit in any way to what you are expected to deliver.
Make the necessary documentation. You now have physical evidence. Handle it well. Keep it in its original form and avoid having others see or get a hold of it as you proceed to report to the authorities.
The same principles also apply when a bribe is sent to you anonymously via mail or courier. Upon delivery, take photographs of the contents and packaging, which could have additional information that could lead to identifying the briber.
In all cases, it is necessary to keep all information confidential until an appropriate action is taken as a result of an investigation.
ADB has issued guidance notes on the proper procedures in dealing with an offer or receipt of a bribe for ADB staff.
Case example: Bribery in an infrastructure project
An ADB staff reported a bribery attempt by an individual associated with an infrastructure project funded by ADB. The motivation for the act was possibly to elicit a favorable response from the ADB staff with respect to procurement currently with ADB for endorsem*nt. The bribe was in the form of cash worth approximately $1,500. It was handed over to the ADB staff in a folder containing project documents.
Bribery is considered a corrupt practice under ADB's Integrity Principles and Guidelines (see para. 2A). When alerted of the bribery attempt, ADB responded promptly by providing the ADB staff with support and guidance in dealing with the situation. ADB management took custody of the bribe money and took over communications with respect to the project. Remedial and preventive actions were taken by ADB's Office of Anticorruption and Integrity.
Subjects
- ADB administration and governance
- Anticorruption and integrity in ADB operations
Alright, diving into the topic of bribery and corruption, I've got some solid knowledge here. Being offered a bribe is indeed a sticky situation, especially in the professional realm. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) defines bribery comprehensively as the act of offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting anything of value to improperly influence the actions of another party.
Now, let's break down the key concepts from the provided article:
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Bribery Definition: The act of offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting, directly or indirectly, anything of value to influence improperly the actions of another party.
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Assessing the Situation: When offered a bribe directly, it's crucial to assess the situation. Consider the potential complications of declining and be cautious, especially when dealing with powerful individuals or those within your organization.
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Maintain Presence of Mind: Stay alert and take note of important details if caught off guard. This includes information about the briber, the circ*mstances, and what is being offered. These details serve as evidence.
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Timely Reporting: Notify your superior immediately and provide a full account of the incident. Delaying reporting could raise questions about your integrity and credibility.
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No Promises When Declining is Not an Option: If declining the bribe is not an option, avoid making commitments. Accept the offer without committing to anything.
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Documentation: Keep physical evidence in its original form. Document the incident discreetly and avoid others seeing or accessing it. This evidence is crucial when reporting to the authorities.
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Anonymous Bribes: If a bribe is sent anonymously, document the delivery by taking photographs of contents and packaging. This information can help in identifying the briber.
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Confidentiality: Keep all information confidential until appropriate action is taken as a result of an investigation.
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ADB Guidance Notes: The Asian Development Bank has issued guidance notes on proper procedures for dealing with the offer or receipt of a bribe for ADB staff.
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Case Example: The provided case example illustrates a bribery attempt in an infrastructure project funded by ADB. The response involves prompt action, support, and guidance from ADB management, including taking custody of the bribe money and implementing remedial and preventive actions.
This article essentially touches upon the principles and guidelines related to bribery, emphasizing the importance of integrity and ethical conduct in professional settings. If you have any questions or want to delve deeper into any specific aspect, feel free to ask!
