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3.19 Greasing Palms Abroad: Baksheesh, Mordida, and Kumshah (Obj. 4)

In the Middle East, bribes are called baksheesh. In Mexico, they are mordida; and in Southeast Asia, kumshah. Although it takes place in many parts of the world, bribery is not officially sanctioned by any country. In the United States, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act prohibits giving anything of value to a foreign official in an effort to win or retain business. However, this law does allow payments that may be necessary to expedite or secure “routine governmental action.” For instance, a company could make small payments to obtain permits and licenses or to process visas or work orders. Also allowed are payments to secure telephone service and power and water supplies, as well as payments for the loading and unloading of cargo.