Companies from Russia and China are most likely to pay bribes when doing business abroad, a survey suggests.
The two countries scored worst out of 28 in a poll of business executives conducted by anti-corruption group, Transparency International (TI).
BBC News website readers in China, Russia and other countries mentioned in the survey share their views on the report and their experiences of how business is done where they live.
Reaction from China
Continue reading the main story
“Start Quote
Is it bribery, or astute and innovative business practice? ”
End Quote Rupert, Shanghai, China
Rupert, in Shanghai, says: Bribery is one of the common ways business is done in China and the vast majority of companies pay scant regard to anti-bribery legislation when struggling to survive in a competitive and robust business environment.
China's increasing global presence and business arrangements with developing countries rich in natural resources, yet led by despot leaders, is a common trend that could threaten ethical and fair business practices.
Having said that - is the building of a free road in Africa by engineers from a sponsored Chinese state-owned company bribery or astute and innovative business practice? How and who will prove that such a seemingly humanitarian project has any link to securing a mining concession, or favourable trading arrangements, or turning a blind eye to unsafe practices?
As always, the answer can be found by following the money and adhering to law. But that's easier said than done.
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Qin, in Xi'an, emails: Corruption and bribe-paying happens not only in the commercial field but in almost all parts of social life here. It's becoming more and more prevalent and is becoming a serious problem.
If this is ignored and continues to develop here in China I think our public moral value, integrity and faith which is the corner stone of any society will be thoroughly destroyed.
Elliott, in Shanghai, says: Sounds about right. It causes difficulties in many areas of the public sector in China. These issues are generally reflected in a drop in quality as well as loss of tax revenues.
David, in Guangzhou city, emails: I am not surprised at the findings at all. I would say bribery is the way of life here in China. Everyone is involved in it some way or another.
Of course the law can put people in difficult positions when it comes to employment or sickness, and bribery is usually the only way out. If you want something doing you have to pay for it - it's as simple as that when it comes to China.
Joyce, in Guangdong, writes: I moved to China two years ago and it's much worse and more common among small business owners to bribe people to get their business done. Last year I planned on having my own shop but of course I knew I would have to pay people money just to get my business licence or else I'd have to wait forever for one to be approved officially.
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