Corruption in Lebanon: An Exploratory Study About Lebanese Managers’ and Employees’ Perceptions

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 followed a quantitative approach relying on a web-based survey. The final valid sample consisted of 50 Lebanese managers and employees. The results showed a positive inclination toward the corrupt behaviour either due to social norms which tolerate corruption or as a result of high-performance expectations from superiors. In addition, findings showed large discrepancies in regard to the contribution of organizational norms to the proliferation of corruption in the business sector. In fact employees considered that managers often overlook and sometimes even encourage corrupt behaviours that allow the attainment of organizational goals.  The study highlights that corruption is engrained in Lebanon and has become prevalent to high extent that business actors use corrupt practices to be able to perform their activities and maintain their competitiveness. The findings of the study stress the urgency for business practitioners to take immediate action to mitigate corrupted actions by introducing changes in the organizational culture. Stressing and encouraging ethical values to combat corruption is a priority for all business actors as well as for public policy makers. Mediation of corruption necessitates more public awareness campaigns disclosing the negative effects of corruption on the health of sound business and the economy of the country at large.