There are plenty of studies showing that even the smallest of gifts creates a sense of obligation. Even something as innocuous as a calendar, or a stubby holder. So “conferences” run by pharmaceutical companies for doctors, or AMP for financial advisors, or campaign contributions for pollies; are of course entirely different to bribes given to officials in India, or bank accounts set up by British companies for ME princes to “facilitate” oil equipment deals .......
Remember the hoo-ha over the wheat board paying bribes to be able to supply wheat to Iraq? The only thing they did wrong was being caught. You can’t do business over their unless you know the rules.
Nor is it anything new. People always petitioned the king, tribal chief, warlord etc. And those who petitioned with gifts ......
As usual, Yes Minister hits the nail on the head with “The Moral Dimension”.
