Antecedents and Consequences of MNE Bribery: A Multilevel Review

Abstract

As bribery constitutes a highly complex phenomenon, there is need for an integrative understanding to identify effective tackling tactics at multiple levels. In this vein, our literature review contributes to the research on bribery by depicting the multiple levels of analysis that collectively embrace the phenomenon of bribery. In particular, we depict multinational enterprises’ (MNEs) motivation to bribe as well as enabling factors within the MNEs but also within the target country that provide the ground for MNE bribery payments. Besides, we also discuss home country characteristics that contribute to MNE bribery in the target country. Considering outcomes of bribery, we discuss profits and costs for MNEs as well as for the target country. Thereby, we show that apart from negative effects for the target country, MNEs’ benefits are questionable and have to be seen in the context of additional unintended negative effects related to bribery.