Which statement correctly describes bribes and kickbacks?

• A. Bribes are monetary gifts to induce an employee to favor a supplier; Kickbacks are payments made by a supplier to a corporate buyer when a purchase is made
• B. Bribes are payments by supplier after purchase; Kickbacks are gifts to an employee
• C. Bribes and kickbacks are the same
• D. Neither is described in the material

Answer: (A)

Bribes and kickbacks are illicit payments meant to influence purchasing decisions. A bribe is a monetary gift given to an employee or decision-maker to persuade them to favor a particular supplier, usually before a purchase decision is made. A kickback is a payment from a supplier to a corporate buyer (or someone who can influence a purchase), typically tied to the purchase and often made after the deal or as part of the ongoing relationship.

This aligns with the statement that bribes are monetary gifts to induce an employee to favor a supplier, and kickbacks are payments made by a supplier to a corporate buyer when a purchase is made, making it the best choice.

The other descriptions mischaracterize the timing and flow of influence: bribes aren’t typically post-purchase payments, and kickbacks aren’t just gifts to an employee without tying to the sale. They’re distinct forms of improper influence related to procurement.