Bribery – an obstacle to international development

Purpose Bribery continues to significantly inhibit international development. Despite massive efforts to fight corruption, public officials in many developing countries continue to demand bribes. However, multinational corporations face severe sanctions for engaging in bribery. Hence, this paper aims to investigate whether anti-bribery incentives could help to eliminate corruption. Design/methodology/approach This study takes an innovative approach toward eliminating corruption: it investigates the potential role of anti-bribery incentives through qualitative content analysis of 35 semi-standardized interviews with anti-bribery experts from Austria, Germany, Liechtenstein and Switzerland. Findings Concrete recommendations for adjustments to incentive systems are provided in an effort to help multinational corporations fight bribery, and thereby, eliminate obstacles to international development. Originality/value Although the empirical findings are based on conditions Austria, Germany, Liechtenstein and Switzerland, the results have potential global application.