Anti-bribery compliance incentives

Purpose: This paper aims to discuss an innovative approach to eliminating bribery in multinational corporations. In particular, the concept of using incentive systems to fight corruption is assessed. Design/methodology/approach: Based on the analysis of ten formal and ten informal expert interviews with both prevention experts and corrupt employees, a combination of bonus-malus payments is developed. Findings: A performance matrix could be used to incentivize both compliance and productivity. Research limitations/implications: This study’s findings are limited to the perspectives of 20 interviewees. Hence, it is possible that a study with a larger sample conducted in different countries or at a different time would have led to different results. Practical implications: The identification of gaps in existing anti-bribery compliance mechanisms is meant to provide compliance officers and legislators with valuable insights into how undesirable behavior could be prevented. Originality/value: It is found that eliminating the wrong incentives and establishing the right ones could make significant strides in advancing the fight against bribery.