Bribe and Prejudice
Over the past two months there's been a controversial story brewing here in the UK involving the , the , a whole bunch of , British , high class hookers and er, . 
It sounds like your typically British sleazy tabloid scandal but it's something we here at WHYS feel has real : is it ever right to pay bribes in business?
Have you ever paid a bribe? Are you a businessman or woman who has landed in a foreign land and been asked to fork out for the privilege of having your company's product considered?
Is paying bribes or 'commissions' just a part of business in some cultures? Indeed, do you think it's rude not to pay them?
The undeniable fact is that in some countries asking for a bribe is commonplace and in others there are no laws against paying bribes. What does this mean if your firm is based in a country with strict anti-bribery laws? Do you feel you are at a disadvantage?
And are we in the so-called developed West blameless? I know I once greased the palm of a boat conductor in Laos who didn't like the look of my ticket. A quick bundle of 5,000 Kip and I was free to go. Who's to blame: the corruptor or the corruptee? A cute way out of a tight spot or one small nail in the coffin for business ethics?
Or are you with investigative reporter David Leigh who finds these arguments and says they harm the countries involved.
Some background
Britain outlawed the practise of bribing foreign officials in 2001 (it came into effect in 2002). Here's the .
In the USA the outlaws the same type of behaviour but some companies have found the odd .
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