Methods of bribery in multinational corporations

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 1078-1084
Author(s):  
Fabian Maximilian Johannes Teichmann
Keyword(s):  
Multinational Corporations ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
White Collar Crime ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Criminal Activity ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Compliance Officers ◽  
Prior Literature ◽  
Larger Sample ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to investigate how bribery is conducted in multinational corporations. In particular, sources of funding and methods of transferring bribes are investigated. Design/methodology/approach In all, 100 interviews were conducted with criminals and white-collar crime prevention experts, and responses were subjected to qualitative content analysis. Findings The interviews and survey revealed concrete techniques for creating funds for bribery and transferring bribes to counterparties. The results indicate that the compliance mechanisms aimed at preventing bribery in multinational corporations can be easily circumvented. Research limitations/implications This study’s findings were limited to the perspectives of 100 interviewees. Hence, it is possible that a study with a larger sample conducted in different countries or at a different time could have yielded different results. Practical implications Identifying the concrete methods of funding and transferring bribes should provide both compliance officers and legislators with valuable insights into criminal activity. By better understanding the specific steps taken by criminals, compliance officers should be able to more effectively combat bribery. Originality/value Whereas the prior literature has focused on the organizations and mechanisms involved in combating bribery, this paper instead explores how criminals avoid detection by taking into account existing compliance mechanisms and criminal perspectives.

Anti-bribery compliance incentives

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 1105-1110 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabian Maximilian Johannes Teichmann
Keyword(s):  
Multinational Corporations ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Expert Interviews ◽  
Incentive Systems ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Performance Matrix ◽  
Compliance Officers ◽  
The Right ◽  
Larger Sample ◽  
Practical Implications

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.

How effective are financial sanctions against individuals?

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabian Maximilian Johannes Teichmann
Keyword(s):  
Money Laundering ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Political Processes ◽  
Compliance Officers ◽  
Improve Compliance ◽  
Larger Sample ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to discuss the role of money laundering methods in circumventing sanctions against individuals. In particular, it shows how politically exposed persons can circumvent sanctions through money laundering mechanisms. Design/methodology/approach A total of 70 expert interviews were conducted, comprising 35 formal interviews with prevention experts and 35 informal interviews with money launderers. By subjecting their responses to qualitative content analysis, concrete ways of circumventing sanctions are identified. Findings Financial sanctions against individuals are highly ineffective, as they can be easily circumvented. To successfully influence political processes, alternative mechanisms are necessary. Research limitations/implications This study’s findings are limited to the perspectives of 70 interviewees. Hence, it is possible that a study with a larger sample conducted in different countries or at a different time could have yielded different results. Practical implications Identifying the gaps in anti-money-laundering mechanisms should provide compliance officers and legislators with valuable insights into why the current prevention schemes are ineffective and how sanctions against individuals can be circumvented. The findings, thus, highlight the scope to improve compliance mechanisms and the need for other tools to influence political processes. Originality/value The current sanctions against individuals are found to be ineffective means of influencing politics, as they can be easily circumvented. Hence, alternative mechanisms and tools are needed.

Recent trends in money laundering and terrorism financing

2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabian Maximilian Teichmann
Keyword(s):  
Money Laundering ◽  
Financial Services ◽  
White Collar Crime ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Criminal Activity ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Compliance Officers ◽  
Terrorism Financing ◽  
Prior Literature ◽  
Recent Trends

Purpose This paper aims to investigate how criminals launder money and finance terrorism through the financial system. Design/methodology/approach In total, 70 interviews were conducted with criminals and white-collar crime prevention experts, whose responses were subjected to qualitative content analysis. Based on the findings, a quantitative survey of 200 compliance officers was carried out. Findings The interviews and survey revealed concrete techniques of laundering money and financing terrorism through the financial services industry and its affiliates. Evidently, the compliance mechanisms aimed at preventing money laundering and terrorism financing can be easily circumvented. Research limitations/implications This study’s findings are limited to the perspectives of 70 interviewees. Hence, it is possible that a study with a larger sample conducted in different countries or at a different time could have yielded different results. Practical implications Identifying the concrete methods of laundering money and financing terrorism should provide both compliance officers and legislators with valuable insights into criminal activity. By better understanding the specific steps taken by criminals, compliance officers should be able to more effectively combat both money laundering and terrorism financing. Originality/value While prior literature focuses on the organizations and mechanisms involved in combating money laundering and terrorism financing, this paper instead explores how criminals avoid detection by taking into account existing compliance mechanisms and criminal perspectives.

How useful are anti-money-laundering efforts in combating bribery?

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 309-314
Author(s):  
Fabian Maximilian Johannes Teichmann
Keyword(s):  
Money Laundering ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Expert Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Compliance Officers ◽  
Larger Sample ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to discuss the role of anti-money-laundering mechanisms in combating bribery. In particular, it shows how parties receiving bribes can circumvent the mechanisms currently in place to launder the money they receive for their services. Design/methodology/approach Through analysis of 25 formal expert interviews with prevention experts and 25 informal expert interviews with money launderers from Europe, concrete ways of laundering bribes were found. Consequently, it is suggested that alternative mechanisms are necessary to successfully fight corruption. Findings A combination of more severe punishments and anti-bribery incentives could help to eliminate corruption. Research limitations/implications This study’s findings are limited to the perspectives of 50 interviewees. Hence, a study with a larger sample conducted in different countries or at a different time could yield different results. Practical implications By identifying gaps in existing anti-money-laundering mechanisms, this paper aims to provide compliance officers and legislators with valuable insights into why the current prevention schemes are ineffective and how corruption could be more effectively tackled. Originality/value The findings demonstrate that current anti-money-laundering mechanisms are unhelpful in fighting bribery. Hence, alternative anti-bribery mechanisms are needed.

An agency theory approach towards bribery

2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 160-168
Author(s):  
Fabian Maximilian Johannes Teichmann
Keyword(s):  
Agency Theory ◽  
Multinational Corporations ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Compliance Officers ◽  
Improve Compliance ◽  
The Right ◽  
Larger Sample ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to discuss the role of agency theory in combatting bribery in multinational corporations. It is shown how a combination of bonus and malus payments could help to create the right incentives for agency. Design/methodology/approach Based on the analysis of 15 formal and 15 informal expert interviews with both prevention experts and corrupt individuals, concrete ways of more effectively combatting bribery have been developed. Findings As a result, it is suggested that matrix systems could help to adjust incentives systems to take compliance issues into account. It is found that multinational corporations should eliminate. Research limitations/implications This study’s findings are limited to the perspectives of 30 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 the potential role of incentive systems in compliance mechanisms is meant to provide compliance officers and legislators with valuable insights into why the current prevention schemes are ineffective. This can help to both improve compliance mechanisms. Originality/value While the empirical findings are based in Europe, the results could be applied globally.

Money laundering through raw diamonds

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabian Maximilian Johannes Teichmann ◽  
Marie-Christin Falker
Keyword(s):  
Law Enforcement ◽  
Money Laundering ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Law Enforcement Agencies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Compliance Officers ◽  
German Speaking ◽  
Three Stages ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Combat Money Laundering

Purpose This paper aims to illustrate how illegally obtained funds are laundered through raw diamonds in Austria, Germany, Liechtenstein and Switzerland. Design/methodology/approach To identify specific money laundering techniques involving raw diamonds, this study used a qualitative content analysis of data collected from 60 semi-standardized interviews with both criminals and prevention experts and a quantitative survey of 200 compliance officers. Findings Raw diamonds are extraordinarily suitable for money laundering in European German-speaking countries. In particular, they may be used in all three stages of the laundering process, namely, placement, layering and integration. Research limitations/implications Because the qualitative findings are based on semi-standardized interviews, their insights are limited to the perspectives of the 60 interviewees. Practical implications Identifying gaps in existing anti-money laundering mechanisms should provide compliance officers, law enforcement agencies and legislators with valuable insights into how criminals operate. Originality/value While prior studies focus on the methods used by organizations to combat money laundering and how to improve anti-money laundering measures, this paper investigates how money launderers operate to avoid detection, thereby illustrating authentic experiences. Its findings provide valuable insights into the minds of money launderers and combines criminal perspective with that of prevention experts.

The identity crisis of sustainable development

2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 4-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catalin Ratiu ◽  
Beverlee B. Anderson
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Identity Crisis ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Clear Understanding ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Larger Sample ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – There are many different conceptualizations to sustainable development and these different approaches may have led to confusion amongst the public. The purpose of this paper is to explore the identities of the term and how the confused identity may be leading to problems for sustainable development efforts. Design/methodology/approach – The design is exploratory, using both secondary and primary data to understand the different sustainable development concepts. Findings – There is no consistent understanding or use of the term “sustainable development” among various groups. Research limitations/implications – Future research should include a larger sample that is more representative of people from different backgrounds and geographical areas. Practical implications – The public is generally willing to support only projects that it understands. Without a clear understanding of sustainable development, the public will be less inclined to support these efforts. Originality/value – This study examines the perceptions and understandings of the term by the general public representing different generations.

Smoothing the passage to India

2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 41-43
Author(s):  
Graham Cole
Keyword(s):  
Multinational Corporations ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
First Century ◽  
Average Growth ◽  
Content Type ◽  
China And India ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Global Nature ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings The global nature of business in the twenty-first century has opened up new opportunities for multinational corporations (MNCs). Many are increasingly paying attention to the key emerging markets, where robust growth has largely been the norm over recent decades. China and India are the obvious targets. Both the nations consistently exceed the average growth worldwide and have experienced a meteoric rise through the economy rankings. Where the rate of expansion is concerned, China has long been the benchmark. However, by 2030, India is predicted to become the leader in this respect. Practical implications The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent, information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Determinants of mandatory disclosure compliance in Swedish municipalities

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 247-265
Author(s):  
Pierre Donatella
Keyword(s):  
Financial Reporting ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Mandatory Disclosure ◽  
Local Networks ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Government Accounting ◽  
Reporting Practice ◽  
Professional Environment ◽  
Prior Literature ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to examine whether, and if so, to what extent, noncoercive isomorphism determines mandatory disclosure compliance at a later stage of an accounting reform.Design/methodology/approachThe analysis of compliance is based on data from 289 Swedish municipalities for 2016, which is nearly two decades after the initial legal reform in which mandatory requirements were imposed by the Swedish government in an effort to harmonize financial reporting practice. Following the standard approach in the literature, an unweighted compliance index was used as dependent variable. Proxies for municipal accounting networks and involvement in professional government accounting associations were used to explain individual municipalities' levels of compliance.FindingsDifferences in individual municipalities' levels of compliance were strongly related to the financial reporting practice of other municipalities in their accounting network. These results suggest that normative and mimetic isomorphic pressure stemming from these local networks, where accounting departments continually meet and share experiences, is a very potent force. In contrast, isomorphic pressure stemming from involvement in activities offered by professional government accounting associations is generally not a potent force at this stage.Practical implicationsIn settings where municipal accounting networks exist, it may be effective to stimulate de facto harmonization by directing information, education and other efforts toward the professional environment in which these networks operate.Originality/valueUnlike prior literature, the data in this study are from a later stage of a public sector accounting reform.

What news on the Rialto? Geopolitics and reputation risk

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (6) ◽  
pp. 9-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Buell Hirsch
Keyword(s):  
Multinational Corporations ◽  
Corporate Reputation ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Skill Sets ◽  
International Media ◽  
Reputation Risk ◽  
Potential Risks ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
New Infrastructure

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine how changes in the global geopolitical climate have created new and more acute reputation risks for multinational corporations. Design/methodology/approach This viewpoint examines recent shifts in the global geopolitical claims covered in international media and analyzes variety of instances in which these shifts have created new and more intense reputation risks. From this analysis, the authors derive insights into how companies can prepare for and manage their operations to mitigate potential reputation risks. Findings The author finds that the increases in reputation risk created by shifting global geopolitical structures expose weaknesses in the infrastructure and skill sets by which companies manage their corporate reputation and makes recommendations about overcoming these weaknesses. Research limitations/implications The geopolitical issues analyzed and the reputation risks exposed are selective; therefore, this is not a comprehensive review of all the potential risks. Practical/implications Companies can do a great deal to protect themselves from new reputation risks created by the geopolitical shifts discussed by setting up a new infrastructure for managing and reporting on these risks and hiring communications professionals with the appropriate capabilities for analyzing and managing the risks. Social/implications If these new risks are well managed, the potential for significant business disruption and the safety and security of corporate employees could be significantly reduced. Originality/value To the best of the author's knowledge, this is the first discussion of geopolitical shifts and corporate reputation.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document