Let’s Play: Bribery Games in the US and Germany

Abstract

This chapter focuses on behavioral differences across cultures in an experimental bribery game that contributes to cross-country comparisons. To answer the question, what affects an individual’s propensity to engage in and punish corrupt actions?, bribery games have been run with over 700 students, comparing individual decision-making in the US and Germany. Contrary to the assumptions, almost 70% of the Californian participants offered and accepted a bribe. In Germany, almost 50% took the opportunity to offer a bribe and 40% accepted one. In the US, 52% of the participants punished corrupt acts, compared to 80% in Germany. The results can be explained by differences in the level of individualism and by “a cultural transmission of corruption”. This explanation should also imply a society’s ability to build anti-corruption norms.