If reputable companies such as IBM and Apple have been charged with using bribes to obtain sales, why should you worry about being ethical

1. Reputation.

Apple and IBM are big companies which is why their reputation was able to survive the bribery charges. You are most likely not as big as either of these companies so if you are charged with bribery, your reputation might not be able to recover like theirs did.

It is always best to be associated with a good reputation. A good reputation gives you customers who will be loyal because they appreciate the integrity you have. You should not throw this away by bribing people.

2. Consequences.

It is because Apple and IBM are so big that they were able to settle the bribery charge with the Courts. Smaller companies or people that have lesser effects on the financial system might find that their punishments will be more severe to act as a deterrent.

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