Political decisions are supposed to be made on the merits of the case, not based on whether or not the decision maker has received a lovely case of wine from one of the parties. This is a simple matter of fairness. When decision makers take gifts, even if their votes are not influenced, they give the appearance of being on the take, which undermines public confidence in government.
What ethical dilemmas do gifts and bribes present?
People do not go into government work to make a lot of money. Especially at the local level, elected officials may receive only token payment for the number of hours they put into the job. In this context, it is tempting to say that tickets to the local performing arts center or sporting arena are well-deserved perks of office. Some even argue that attending such events is part of the job and crucial to understanding the experience of citizens who use these venues.
On the other side, such gifts may well influence officials when they need to determine whether the performing arts center should expand or whether the arena can add retail outlets that local businesses oppose. Also, such gifts can create a slippery slope, with officials coming to expect VIP treatment and making local businesses feel coerced into offering it so that they can receive a fair hearing.
By the same token, it is incumbent upon businesses to comply with government regulations on gift giving. While it may be common in the private sector to acknowledge important customers with extravagant holiday gifts, this practice is disallowed in the public sphere; the gravel company that tries to reward the mayor of a city that has made a big purchase with 10 pounds of expensive chocolate simply puts the mayor in the awkward position of returning the gift.
Corporate Ethics & Gift Giving
Corporate Ethics & Gift Givingthumbnail Corporate gift giving is restricted by policy and tax laws.
Corporate ethics can involve complicated areas where both impressions and laws affect business decisions. Giving giving, a common practice by corporations, is one of these areas where companies must pay attention to how a gift to a client may be interpreted. Most large companies have specific policies regarding the giving and receiving of gifts from other businesses.
1. Gifts
A gift in the business world is a spontaneous gesture from one business to another (or to different employees in the same business), usually through two contacts from either business. Gifts can take many forms, from monetary donations to gift certificates and objects such as food. Gifts are defined largely by their independence. A gift is not given as part of a program or as an agreement between two people--this is known as an incentive, which is more typical between employer and employees.
Company Policies
Company policies governing gift giving are typically very specific so that those in marketing and business relations understand their boundaries. Some business industries have a complete ban on gifts. These businesses, such as insurance companies, retail stores and medical centers, cannot afford to have any gift resemble a bribe in any way and simply refuse to accept them. Other businesses limit the value of the gifts they give or receive, and the situations in which gifts can be given.
Improper Gifts
Gifts should never be offered during a bidding process, even if the bidding falls during a holiday event such as a Christmas function or Independence Day barbecue. These are always seen as bribes, and in general gifts should not be given to a company if the business is still in negotiations over a contract or offer. Expensive gifts such as cars should also be avoided, especially when offered to executives. Businesses giving gifts can use company policy as a guideline, but should also avoid giving the wrong impression.
Giving Practices
Gifts should be given on appropriate occasions, such as at holidays, and should always mirror the type of relationship the businesses have. A long-term client may deserve a more personal or expensive gift than a new client. Gifts should match the styles and tastes of the client, but also be within the proper bounds of a business relationship. Personal touches such as a written card can often create a favorable impression no matter the cost of the gift itself.
Taxes
The Internal Revenue Service allows businesses to deduct a business gift costing up to $75, which provides many companies with a useful rule when money is spent on gifts. However, typically gifts over $25 count as taxable income when given to employees, so most in-business gifts fall below this amount.
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References
* Motivation Network: Present Perfect: The Art of Corporate Gift Giving
* University of Tennessee at Martin: Approaches to Business Ethics
* Texas A&M University: Accepting Gifts And Amenities
What ethical dilemmas do gifts and bribes present?
People do not go into government work to make a lot of money. Especially at the local level, elected officials may receive only token payment for the number of hours they put into the job. In this context, it is tempting to say that tickets to the local performing arts center or sporting arena are well-deserved perks of office. Some even argue that attending such events is part of the job and crucial to understanding the experience of citizens who use these venues.
On the other side, such gifts may well influence officials when they need to determine whether the performing arts center should expand or whether the arena can add retail outlets that local businesses oppose. Also, such gifts can create a slippery slope, with officials coming to expect VIP treatment and making local businesses feel coerced into offering it so that they can receive a fair hearing.
By the same token, it is incumbent upon businesses to comply with government regulations on gift giving. While it may be common in the private sector to acknowledge important customers with extravagant holiday gifts, this practice is disallowed in the public sphere; the gravel company that tries to reward the mayor of a city that has made a big purchase with 10 pounds of expensive chocolate simply puts the mayor in the awkward position of returning the gift.
Corporate Ethics & Gift Giving
Corporate Ethics & Gift Givingthumbnail Corporate gift giving is restricted by policy and tax laws.
Corporate ethics can involve complicated areas where both impressions and laws affect business decisions. Giving giving, a common practice by corporations, is one of these areas where companies must pay attention to how a gift to a client may be interpreted. Most large companies have specific policies regarding the giving and receiving of gifts from other businesses.
1. Gifts
A gift in the business world is a spontaneous gesture from one business to another (or to different employees in the same business), usually through two contacts from either business. Gifts can take many forms, from monetary donations to gift certificates and objects such as food. Gifts are defined largely by their independence. A gift is not given as part of a program or as an agreement between two people--this is known as an incentive, which is more typical between employer and employees.
Company Policies
Company policies governing gift giving are typically very specific so that those in marketing and business relations understand their boundaries. Some business industries have a complete ban on gifts. These businesses, such as insurance companies, retail stores and medical centers, cannot afford to have any gift resemble a bribe in any way and simply refuse to accept them. Other businesses limit the value of the gifts they give or receive, and the situations in which gifts can be given.
Improper Gifts
Gifts should never be offered during a bidding process, even if the bidding falls during a holiday event such as a Christmas function or Independence Day barbecue. These are always seen as bribes, and in general gifts should not be given to a company if the business is still in negotiations over a contract or offer. Expensive gifts such as cars should also be avoided, especially when offered to executives. Businesses giving gifts can use company policy as a guideline, but should also avoid giving the wrong impression.
Giving Practices
Gifts should be given on appropriate occasions, such as at holidays, and should always mirror the type of relationship the businesses have. A long-term client may deserve a more personal or expensive gift than a new client. Gifts should match the styles and tastes of the client, but also be within the proper bounds of a business relationship. Personal touches such as a written card can often create a favorable impression no matter the cost of the gift itself.
Taxes
The Internal Revenue Service allows businesses to deduct a business gift costing up to $75, which provides many companies with a useful rule when money is spent on gifts. However, typically gifts over $25 count as taxable income when given to employees, so most in-business gifts fall below this amount.
* Sympathy Gift Basketswww.lifetributes.com/SympathyGiftBaskets
Amazing Selection & Guaranteed To Comfort When It's Needed Most.
* Business Ethicswww.crnrstone.com
Strategic planning & advisory services for mid-size banks
* Ask a Tax Advisor OnlineTax.JustAnswer.com
5 Tax Professionals Are Online. Current Wait Time: 10 Minutes.
* Gifts with Logoswww.blinkproductdesign.com
Custom Logo Gifts Company Logo Gifts w/ Free Gift Box
References
* Motivation Network: Present Perfect: The Art of Corporate Gift Giving
* University of Tennessee at Martin: Approaches to Business Ethics
* Texas A&M University: Accepting Gifts And Amenities
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