Do entrepreneurial firms suffer more from bribery? An empirical study of businesses in Vietnam. Issue 7 (2nd October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nguyen, Thang V.; Le, Ngoc T. B.; Dinh, Ha L. H.; Pham, Huong T. L.
• Is Part Of: Post-communist economies. Volume 32:Issue 7(2020)
• Page Start: 877
• Page End: 903
• Publication Date: 2020-10-02
• Subjects: Bribes -- corruption -- firm growth -- bargaining power -- Vietnam; Post-communism -- Economic aspects -- Periodicals; Russia (Federation) -- Economic conditions -- Periodicals; Europe, Eastern -- Economic conditions -- Periodicals; 330.91717
• DOI: 10.1080/14631377.2020.1722585
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1463-1377

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Empirical research on firm corruption has reported inconclusive findings on bribe–growth relationship at the firm level. Scholars have proposed a contingency approach, but a framework for identifying contingent factors has not been developed. This study employs a bargaining power framework to examine how firm characteristics moderate the bribe–growth relationship. Based on data from a sample of garment and textile firms in Vietnam, the research shows that firms with state ownership and export markets enjoy greater net benefits from bribes. By contrast, privately owned, micro and small firms are most harshly hit by bribes. The results suggest that engaging in bribery is not an answer for private, small firms even in bribery-prone environments like Vietnam. Rather, these firms should develop their bargaining power in order to minimise harms from bribery.