Synopsis The questionable payments case provides a whole series of short scenarios, each of which is based on real events,

that should challenge students to think about whether the payment in question is acceptable or not. Most of the scenarios come from contexts outside the US, but most of the scenarios are things that could well happen domestically. The cases cover everything from small payments to customs officials, to lavish entertainment provided to company decision-makers, to pharmaceutical companies giving gifts to physicians, to large payments to senior officials to win a contract. Objectives While bribery seems like a clear and simple term, it is often difficult to pin down in practice especially in a global business environment. Each of the scenarios is designed to help students think through whether the particular payment involved constitutes a bribe or extortion. Beyond getting more skilled in identifying what constitutes a bribe, the scenarios should also push students to think more about good decision-making in international business what is at stake in these requests? As I use my framework for decision-making, what issues emerge in this case that are important and which I have to deal with in order to make a good decision? How might context, and where Im operating, play a role in thinking about what is right to do? Assignment Questions 1. What is bribery? Why is it a problem? 2. Why do we need to talk about this? What do you need to learn about this topic to become better managers? 3. Which scenarios were most interesting for you? Which ones did you want to talk about the most? Why? 4. What is at stake in this payment? a. b. c. d. Who do I become if I make this payment? What principles are at stake, if any, in making this payment? Which stakeholders are impacted by this decision? What are you certain or uncertain about in this scenario?

5. What insights or wisdom can you share with your peers about how to handle requests for bribes or questionable payments? 6. Who is harmed by bribery? What is it going to take to reduce the incidence of bribery?