Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA)

Posted :

Sep 10, 2025

by :

Please prepare a research paper on the subject of the Foreign Corrupt Practices
Act (FCPA)

• Provide a brief explanation of the history of the Foreign Corrupt Practices
Act (FCPA).
• What is the primary purpose of the FCPA?
• What does the FCPA prohibit?
• To whom does the FCPA apply?
• What is the maximum penalty under the FCPA?
What are indicators that an individual or organization may have violated
the FCPA?
• Explain why an activity considered “corrupt” in one country might be
considered culturally acceptable in another. Please provide an
example(s)

be prepared in Microsoft Word using the APA General Format

Your submission should include a minimum of three references. There is no
required length for this assignment.

must include three major sections: the Title Page, Main Body
(introduction, content, and conclusion), and References (Citations).

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

✅ Step 1: Title Page (APA 7th Edition)

Your title page should include:

Title of your paper (Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA))
Your name
Course name
Instructor’s name
Date

✅ Step 2: Introduction (1 paragraph)

Briefly introduce the importance of the FCPA.
Mention how it was developed in response to corporate corruption in the 1970s.
End with a thesis statement, e.g.:
“This paper provides an overview of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, its purpose, scope, penalties, and global cultural implications.”

✅ Step 3: History of the FCPA (1–2 paragraphs)

Explain that it was enacted in 1977 after the Watergate scandal revealed widespread bribery by U.S. corporations abroad.
Mention amendments in 1988 and 1998, which broadened its scope and aligned it with international anti-bribery conventions.

✅ Step 4: Purpose of the FCPA (1 paragraph)

State the primary purpose: to prevent U.S. individuals and companies from using bribery to gain unfair advantages in foreign business dealings.
Emphasize that it promotes fair trade and ethical business practices.

✅ Step 5: Prohibitions of the FCPA (1 paragraph)

Bribery of foreign officials to secure business contracts.
Use of intermediaries (agents, consultants) to funnel bribes.
False accounting or failure to maintain accurate financial records.

✅ Step 6: Applicability of the FCPA (1 paragraph)

Applies to U.S. citizens, residents, and companies, including officers, directors, employees, and agents.
Extends to foreign companies listed on U.S. stock exchanges or conducting business in the U.S.

✅ Step 7: Penalties Under the FCPA (1 paragraph)

Individuals: up to $250,000 fine and 5 years imprisonment for bribery violations; up to $5 million fine and 20 years imprisonment for accounting violations.
Corporations: up to $2 million fine per violation, and even higher penalties for accounting violations.

✅ Step 8: Indicators of Potential Violations (1–2 paragraphs)

Unusual payments to consultants or third parties.
Lack of transparency in financial reporting.
Excessive gifts, travel, or entertainment provided to government officials.
Contracts won despite lacking qualifications (suggesting bribery).

✅ Step 9: Cultural Perspectives on Corruption (1–2 paragraphs)

Discuss how some cultures consider “facilitation payments” or gift-giving a normal part of doing business, while U.S. law classifies them as bribery.
Example: In some Asian and Middle Eastern countries, gift-giving to officials is seen as a sign of respect, but under the FCPA, such acts may be considered illegal if they influence decisions.

✅ Step 10: Conclusion (1 paragraph)

Summarize the importance of the FCPA in ensuring ethical business practices.
Stress its role in promoting transparency, fairness, and accountability in global commerce.
End with a forward-looking statement, e.g., “As globalization increases, the FCPA will remain critical in shaping ethical international business practices.”

✅ Step 11: References (APA 7th Edition)

Make sure you have at least three scholarly references. Here are examples you can use (replace/add based on your research database access):

Koehler, M. (2012). The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act in the ultimate year of its decade of resurgence. Indiana Law Review, 43(4), 389–436. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1442034
U.S. Department of Justice. (2020). A resource guide to the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. https://www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/fcpa-resource-guide
Nichols, P. M. (2012). The business case for complying with bribery laws. American Business Law Journal, 49(2), 325–368. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1744-1714.2012.01133.x

Final Writing Tips:

Write in formal, academic tone.
Avoid bullet points in the final paper—use full paragraphs.
Keep formatting consistent with APA 7th edition (double-spacing, 12pt Times New Roman, 1-inch margins).
Proofread carefully before submission.

Remember! It’s just a sample. Our professional writers will write a unique paper for you.

WRITE MY ESSAY