What does "bribery" typically refer to in an ethical context?

Bribery, in an ethical context, refers to the act of offering something of value to influence someone’s actions in a way that is considered improper or unethical. This practice undermines fairness and transparency, as it creates an unequal playing field where decisions can be swayed by personal gain rather than merit or rightful procedures.

When someone engages in bribery, they are attempting to manipulate outcomes—whether in legal, business, or political environments—by providing inducements that compromise the integrity of the decision-making process. This leads to a breach of trust, not just for the individuals involved, but also for the larger society that expects fairness and accountability.

In contrast, other scenarios presented—such as donating to charity solely for public recognition, gifting tokens of appreciation, or negotiating business deals—can be ethical or acceptable behaviors under certain circumstances. However, they do not necessarily involve the intent to improperly influence an action or decision, which is central to the definition of bribery.