Abstract:

Corruption is one of the major factors which affects the development of the economic sector in Lebanon. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the ways in which the perceptions on corruption differed among managers and employees in Lebanese businesses. The study focused on the underlying assumptions made about corruption, the ways in which corruption affects business operations, and the preference for certain strategies to deal with corruption in the business sector. The study employed a quantitative research methodology as data was gathered through the means of a web-based survey from a sample of 50 Lebanese managers and employees. The results showed wide support for the adoption of corrupt behaviours among the respondents either as a result of the existence of social norms which tolerate corruption or as a result of high-performance expectations from superiors. In addition, the study showed large discrepancies in regard to the contribution of organizational norms to the proliferation of corruption in the business sector, since the employees considered that managers often overlook and sometimes even encourage corrupt behaviours that allow the attainment of organizational goals.  The study highlights the fact that corruption in Lebanon has become so prevalent that it is only rational for business actors to use corrupt practices to be able to perform their activities and maintain their competitiveness. The findings of the study are useful both for business practitioners since they emphasize the need for introducing changes in the organizational culture to establish an ethical view on corruption as well as for public policy makers since they showcase the need for more public awareness campaigns on the negative effects of corruption.