On Bribery and Corruption

This is the sixteenth installment in a series on Starting a Business as Mission Company

The tax “officer” sat in our office and said, “There’s a problem with your books.” There wasn’t but we knew the game and what was coming. “It will likely be a $1000 penalty.” We waited. “But, for $200 I can fix it.”

Having a solid commitment from the very beginning to now submit to bribery or extortion, we replied, “No, thank you. We’ll take our chances in court.” The official left and we never heard another word from him or the government.

Bribery is a global norm. It’s most open in developing nations but it’s no less real in the developed world. It dates back to Biblical times and, if we are to be true to our Great Commission mandate, we must handle it in Biblical ways. Don’t be surprised! You’re not just running a business—you’re advancing God’s kingdom in hostile territory. So how do you operate in a way that honors Christ, not compromising integrity when everyone around you expects bribes and under-the-table deals? Let’s look at some practical and spiritual principles to guide you through this minefield.

1. Understand the Landscape: Know the Realities

Before you even begin, it’s important to acknowledge the reality of the corruption you’re dealing with. Corruption is like a swamp, and it’s easy to get stuck if you don’t watch your step. In many countries, bribery is the way things get done. Government officials expect “gifts” for permits, organized crime groups demand “protection” fees, and even basic services often require some under-the-table cash.

It’s tempting to think, “Well, this is just the way things are. I can compromise a little just to get the business off the ground.” But that kind of thinking opens a dangerous door. As Christians in business, we’re called to walk a different path, even if it’s the harder one. (Ephesians 4:1)

Why this matters:

Integrity builds trust – Customers, employees, and even local officials will come to respect you more if you stand firm in your values, even if they don’t share them. People will come to know that if you say it you mean it. Your “Yes” is “Yes” and your “No” is “No.” (Matthew 5:37)

Witnessing through actions – Your business isn’t just about making a profit; it’s about making a difference and showing Christ in every action. Compromising on bribery dilutes your witness—quickly!

2. Be Ready for Pressure: Stand Firm in Integrity

Now, let’s be real—there will be pressure. Whether it’s subtle hints or overt demands, you’ll face situations where someone expects a bribe or extortion money. But your response to that pressure will define the future of your business and your mission. The Bible is clear on the issue of bribery. Proverbs 17:23 says, “The wicked accept bribes in secret to pervert the course of justice.”

Bribery doesn’t just bend the rules—it breaks them. It creates an unfair system, perpetuates injustice, and harms the very people you’re trying to serve. If you engage in bribery, you’re fueling the cycle of corruption that traps people in poverty and oppression. The Old Testament concept of bribery is a gift to pervert justice and oppress the weak; this is something God hates!

Action steps:

Set a clear policy – Make it known from the start that your company does not pay bribes. Put it in writing, share it with employees, and be vocal about it. If need be, print it up and post on the wall. This helps create and support a culture of integrity in your business.

Practice saying no – This might sound strange but get comfortable with politely declining bribery demands. Role play with a friend or, even better, with your employees. There’s no need to be rude, just firm. One tactic could be saying something like, “We have a policy of not making extra payments, but we’re willing to work together to find another solution.”

Years ago I was traveling in a former communist country and carrying a large amount of cash. This was before wire transfers, credit cards, and ATMs. I had to show it at customs on my out and the official kept staring at the bundle of cash on his desk and alternately looking at me. It was obvious that he wanted me to slide some of it to the side for him. I didn’t say a word (which was not a problem since my Russian was very limited). I just looked back with the calmest and dumbest expression I could muster. This went on for 15 minutes—silent stares that said, “Give me!” and “No.” Finally, in exasperation, the guard pushed my cash back at me and threw his hands up in the air. I smiled, took the money, and left. Whew!

3. Focus on Relationship-Building

Corruption thrives where relationships are shallow and transactional. One of the best ways to avoid falling into the bribery trap is to build strong, authentic relationships with key stakeholders—government officials, suppliers, and even competitors. Having friends in powerful places can be a good and healthy thing.

Take the time to get to know them. Treat them with respect. Find common ground. When people know and trust you, they may be less likely to expect or demand a bribe. Moreover, they will begin to tell others not to bother trying to extort you because you are a person of honor.

Practical example:

A BAM entrepreneur in East Africa once shared how he built relationships with local officials by being upfront about his values but also deeply respectful of their authority. He invited them to his business for community events, introduced them to his staff, and built a rapport that led to mutual respect. When they saw he wasn’t just another businessperson trying to make money, they stopped pushing for bribes and even offered help in navigating bureaucracy.

4. Provide Alternative Value

Here’s where creativity comes in. Sometimes, people ask for bribes because they genuinely need the money or don’t know any other way to solve their problems. This is often the case with lower-level officials such as police officers or tax inspectors. Instead of paying a bribe, find ways to provide value that aligns with your business’s mission.

Maybe you offer local government officials free training or consultations on business development. Maybe you invest in community projects that benefit everyone and show you’re there to help, not exploit. By creating value in a way that benefits the whole community, you may reduce the pressure to pay bribes. It is interesting to note that the Hebrew word for “bribe” is also the word for “gift.” In the right context, giving value to foster trust and relationship is vastly different than a bribe, a gift that perverts justice.

Key takeaway:

The more you invest in helping others, the more you shift the conversation away from under-the-table dealings toward real value creation. And when people see your business as a force for good, they’ll be more likely to support you, even without bribes.

5. Be Transparent and Accountable

In a bribery culture, transparency can be your greatest shield. Set up clear systems in your business that show exactly where the money is going and how decisions are made. This includes keeping spotless records, auditing your finances regularly, and having external accountability when necessary.

Having transparency in your finances and operations can also be a powerful deterrent to anyone who might try to shake you down for a bribe. If they know you’re watching every penny and are prepared to expose corruption if necessary, they may back off.

Accountability strategies:

Financial transparency – Share your financial reports with trusted partners or advisors. Telling a bribe seeker that your financial dealings are very open and public is a strong deterrent to corruption.

External audits – Hire an independent auditor to review your books once a year. This not only helps catch errors but also builds trust with external stakeholders. If you’re an expatriate launching a business in another country you can gain leverage by pointing out that it is a federal offense to pay bribes or protection money anywhere in the world. In the United States, that statute is The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977; other countries have similar laws.

Community involvement – Let your community know where your profits are going, especially if you’re investing in local projects. This builds goodwill and reduces the likelihood of being targeted for bribes. In my experience, this is one of the best defenses against corruption.

6. Prepare for the Cost of Integrity

There will be costs. You may lose contracts. You may face delays in permits. You might even get harassed by local officials or face threats of violence from local mafia. Walking in integrity isn’t always easy, and it may seem like it’s slowing down your business progress.

A close friend of mine in Central Asia was threatened with death if he didn’t hire a mafia thug as a “protection employee.” The story ended with the gangster who issued the threat being killed the day before he had promised to hurt my friend.

But here’s the thing: God’s economy doesn’t work like the world’s economy. Proverbs 28:6 reminds us, “Better the poor whose walk is blameless than the rich whose ways are perverse.” God honors those who walk in integrity, even when it costs something upfront.

In fact, the stories of successful BAM entrepreneurs often involve moments when they chose integrity over profit—and God provided in ways they never expected. Sometimes, a delay opens the door to a better opportunity. Sometimes, losing a contract is God’s way of protecting you from a bigger problem down the road.

7. Trust God’s Provision

Your trust isn’t in your ability to navigate corruption, nor is it in the systems of the world. Your trust is in God. He’s the one who called you into this business for His glory, and He’s the one who will sustain it.

Yes, be wise. Yes, be strategic. But don’t lose sight of the fact that your BAM business is ultimately in God’s hands. When you choose integrity, you’re putting your faith in Him to provide—and He will.

As Philippians 4:19 assures us, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Running a business in a corrupt country might be tough, but God’s provision is greater than any challenge you’ll face.

Final Thoughts: You Are Not Alone

Remember, you’re not the first Christian entrepreneur to face these challenges, and you won’t be the last. Many have gone before you, and many are walking alongside you right now. Seek out their stories, learn from their experiences, and surround yourself with a community that will encourage you to stay the course.

Starting a BAM business in a corrupt culture is like building a house on a solid foundation in the middle of a storm. The winds may blow, but if your foundation is built on God’s principles, your house will stand.

When you stay faithful to your mission, you’re doing more than just running a business—you’re advancing God’s kingdom in one of the toughest places on earth. And that, my friend, is worth every challenge.

For more information on Business as Mission, we recommend the online course, “Business as Mission: The How To Guide” at this link— https://thirdpathinitiative.com/all-courses .