Advice to Companies: How to Say No

There are plenty of wannabe-ethical corporates out there.  They don't want to be corrupt, but they keep getting asked to pay bribes.  And they don't know how to say No.

Here are my tips for trying:

1.  Ask for a receipt.  This forces the bribe-requester to admit that it's a bribe.

2.  Ask to be referred to the law or rule which would 'justify' the bribe.  

3.  Ask to see the supervisor.

4.  Blame your boss, the law in your home country, or your nationality (being Scots apparently works a treat...)

In other words, push back a little.  But give up if you feel you are in danger.  In some situations, and some countries, challenging will be enough to get a result.