Ethical Analysis: Bribery in Contracting for Software Company

This essay explores the ethical dilemma of bribery in international contracting, specifically focusing on a scenario where the CEO of a software company is asked to pay a bribe to win a contract with a foreign government. The essay examines the diverse views on bribery, influenced by moralism, cultural relativism, legalism, and pragmatism. It presents two possible options: paying the bribe to secure the contract or refusing to pay and relying on the company's merits. The analysis weighs the advantages and disadvantages of each option, emphasizing the importance of universal ethical principles such as honesty, trustworthiness, adherence to the law, and accountability in professional decision-making. Ultimately, the essay advocates for refusing to pay the bribe, aligning with ethical considerations and long-term company values.

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BRIBERY IN CONTRACTING
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Restrictions on international bribery as mentioned in the Foreign Corrupt Practices act
have presented controversial reactions and views among the US business organizations
(McKinney and Moore, 2008). People usually give divided opinions when asked about the issue
of bribery in contracting. The diversity in people’s views can be attributed to differences in
moralism, cultural relativism, legalism, and pragmatism. Some people view the act of bribery as
unethical or immoral while others consider it as the cost of doing business. This essay analyzes
the different professional and ethical options when presented by a bribery dilemma.
As the CEO of a software company looking to expand the business in a foreign country,
my company has been asked by a department in the foreign government to pay a bribe to win a
competitive bid for a project seeking to implement a new system for the Taxes and Revenue
Agency. However, I believe my company presents the best offer regarding cost, expertise, and
quality. The following are the two possible options for the scenario: pay up the bribe and get the
contract, or refuse to pay and trust that the department will take up my offer based on my
company’s merits.
The advantage of paying the bribe will be that the company will get the contract which
will lead to economic growth of the firm (Johnsen, 2009). The disadvantage would, however, be
that it would go against our ethics and company policy which is rooted deep in our employees.
On the other hand, not paying the bribe will be advantages because I would not risk permanently
damaging my company just to win one contract. The disadvantage, however, would be a loss of
the contract.
The second alternative is ethical because asking for bribes is illegal in many
constitutions. It is also an unfair way of choosing since it disadvantages those without the
finances to pay the bribe. Paying a bribe is unprofessional because it encourages such unethical

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issues in a company. Therefore, the best professional alternative is not to pay the bribe.
Professionalism goes hand in hand with morality and ethics in the workplace.
My decision would be based on the universal ethical principles of honesty,
trustworthiness, adherence to the law, and accountability (Amico, 2018). Every leader should
encourage these principles in the workplace.

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References
Amico, S. 2018. Workplace Ethics & Behavior. Smallbusiness.chron.com. Retrieved 28 February
2018, from http://smallbusiness.chron.com/workplace-ethics-behavior-5239.html
Johnsen, D.B., 2009. The ethics of “commercial bribery”: Integrative social contract theory
meets transaction cost economics. Journal of Business Ethics, 88(4), pp.791-803.
McKinney, J.A. and Moore, C.W., 2008. International bribery: Does a written code of ethics
make a difference in perceptions of business professionals. Journal of Business Ethics, 79(1-2),
pp.103-111.
Silverthorne, S. 2008. Business Ethics: Pay the Bribe?. [Blog] MONEYWATCH. Available at:
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/business-ethics-pay-the-bribe/ [Accessed 29 Mar. 2018].