Role of anti-bribery management system in sustainable development of entrepreneurship and public policy: a qualitative study

Abstract Purpose One of the key aspects of entrepreneurship is its ability to instigate changes in societies. The aim of this research was to discover how implementation of an anti-bribery management system (ABMS) can support the drive of small and medium enterprises toward sustainable development and inspire solutions to the complex social challenge that bribery represents. Methodology Empirical qualitative research was performed to collect and analyze the data. Sample file consisted of 119 managers of small and medium enterprises from 17 different EU member states who were individually interviewed. Findings Managers of small and medium enterprises in Europe are aware that their ABMS affects sustainable development, but they do not actively develop this connection. A high proportion of managers also perceive the relationship between ABMS and entrepreneurship as disproportional. The only exception is building relationships with stakeholders. The perception of the impact of ABMS on the development of public policy was evaluated even worse. Managers, mainly from Eastern European countries, perceive public policy as an obstacle to sustainable development and their entrepreneurship, rather than considering how their ABMS can contribute to the development of public policy. This research revealed clear gaps between theoretical concepts and managers’ experiences. Originality This research provides a significant contribution to understanding the link between anti-bribery management systems and entrepreneurs through experiences of managers whose enterprises had implemented anti-bribery measures. Most of the research on bribery focused on exploring its impacts from a legal point of view; however, this research provides a managerial perspective.