Where does a gift end and a bribe begin? Michael Arntz and Štěpán Bahník publish on a topical issue

The Christmas season is traditionally associated with gift-giving and expressing gratitude for cooperation in business. But where is the line between innocent gestures and corrupt behavior? Our doctoral student, Michael Arntz, addresses this topic in two new publications—a popular article for Hospodářské noviny and a new scientific study, which he co-authored with his supervisor Štěpán Bahník.

The exchange of gifts is an integral part of business culture, but with the growing emphasis on compliance and ethics, it is becoming a delicate matter. Our researchers have examined this phenomenon from both a practical and scientific perspective.

A practical perspective for managers (Hospodářské noviny)

In a recent commentary for Hospodářské noviny entitled “Christmas carp, or where is the line between a bribe and a Christmas gift,” Michael provides insight into the issue of corporate gift-giving. The article discusses the factors that play a role in assessing the ethics of a gift and how to avoid suspicion of misconduct.

Scientific basis (The Journal of Social Psychology)

However, the topic also has a deep research basis. Michael Arntz and his supervisor Štěpán Bahník published a scientific study in the prestigious journal The Journal of Social Psychology. In their research, they analyze in detail the factors that influence the perception of transactions as gifts or bribes. The study provides important data on how people intuitively distinguish between a friendly gesture and an attempt to gain an unfair advantage.

We congratulate both authors on the publication and hope that their work will contribute to a more transparent business environment, not only at Christmas.

Links to publications:

Article in Hospodářské noviny (CZ): Christmas carp, or where is the line between a bribe and a Christmas “gift”?

Scientific study (EN): Factors influencing the perception of transactions as gifts or bribes