Ethics of Business Gift-Giving

Before you is a diploma thesis that addresses the problem of unethical gift-giving in the business world. In recent years, both economic and non-economic institutions have become increasingly aware of the existence of bribery, and therefore pay greater attention to this problem. The diploma thesis aimed to determine the opinions of entrepreneurs, managers and employees on business gift-giving and bribery, and to compare their views. The survey was conducted in June 2009.

Problem

Before you is a diploma thesis that addresses the problem of unethical gift-giving in the business world. In recent years, both economic and non-economic institutions have become increasingly aware of the existence of bribery, and therefore pay greater attention to this problem.

Results

The diploma thesis aimed to determine the opinions of entrepreneurs, managers and employees on business gift-giving and bribery, and to compare their views. The survey was conducted in June 2009. The research was limited to companies, sole traders and their employees from north-eastern Slovenia.

The research concluded that bribes are inevitably present in the business world. The hypothesis that the recession is already affecting gift-giving can also be confirmed, as almost half of the respondents feel the impact of the recession. Before the research, it was believed that the boundary between a business gift and a bribe is not entirely clear to most people.

This thesis was refuted by the research, as it was found that the majority of respondents are well aware of when a small gift crosses the line into a bribe. The survey analysis revealed that opinions on business gift-giving and bribes do not differ significantly between businesspeople, managers and employees. We are all aware that unethical gift-giving harms society and leaves behind serious consequences and damage that is difficult to repair later.

Much remains to be done in this area in Slovenia. The mindset regarding gift-giving will need to be changed, which could be achieved through education in this field, by tightening laws and by monitoring their implementation in practice.