Deciding to Bribe: A Cross-Level Analysis of Firm and Home Country Influences on Bribery Activity

Academy of Management Journal, December 2007

Posted: 12 May 2008

See all articles by Kelly D. Martin

Kelly D. Martin

Colorado State University, Fort Collins - College of Business

John B. Cullen

Washington State University

Jean L. Johnson

Washington State University - College of Business and Economics

Abstract

Local firms in their home countries often engage in behavior that constitutes corruption, at least through some cultural lenses. One such practice is bribery of public officials. This study uses multilevel theory to address the question of why bribery activity of this type differs among countries. We analyze responses from nearly 4,000 firms worldwide using hierarchical linear modeling to investigate cross-level predictions about bribery. Drawing from anomie theory, we find support for country-level cultural and institutional drivers of firm-level bribery. We extend anomie theory by showing how firm-level pressures can encourage the supplying of bribes as a firm strategy.

Keywords: bribery, corruption, cross-national, anomie theory

Suggested Citation

Martin, Kelly D. and Cullen, John B. and Johnson, Jean L., Deciding to Bribe: A Cross-Level Analysis of Firm and Home Country Influences on Bribery Activity. Academy of Management Journal, December 2007, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1129939

Kelly D. Martin

Colorado State University, Fort Collins - College of Business ( email )

Fort Collins, CO 80523
United States

John B. Cullen (Contact Author)

Washington State University ( email )

Wilson Rd.
College of Business
Pullman, WA 99164
United States

Jean L. Johnson

Washington State University - College of Business and Economics ( email )

PO Box 644750
Pullman, 99164-4750
United States
509-335-1788 (Phone)

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