Title: Effect of perception of corruption on outward US Foreign Direct Investment

Authors: Rajib Sanyal, Subarna Samanta

Addresses: College of Business, Northern Michigan University, 1401 Presque Isle Avenue, Marquette, MI 49855, USA. ' School of Business, The College of New Jersey, P.O. 7188, Ewing, NJ 08628, USA

Abstract: US Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) outflows are examined with respect to the level of corruption – in the form of bribery – in 42 recipient countries over a five-year period. Analysis indicates that US firms are less likely to invest in countries where bribery, as measured by the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), is widespread. However, the size of the foreign market is found to be a more robust factor determining US outward investment, with larger economies attracting more investment. The level of bribery, while significant by itself, loses its importance when included with other economic and cultural variables. The findings are discussed in the context of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), which makes it illegal for US firms to bribe foreign officials to obtain business advantages.

Keywords: foreign direct investment; FDI; USA; bribery; corruption; Foreign Corrupt Practices Act; FCPA; Corruption Perceptions Index; CPI; international business; United States; outward investment; market size.

DOI: 10.1504/GBER.2008.016831

Global Business and Economics Review, 2008 Vol.10 No.1, pp.123 - 140

Published online: 24 Jan 2008 *

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