Here is a comprehensive summary of the article on bribery:

Bribery is the corrupt act of offering, giving, or accepting a private favor—known as a bribe—to influence an official's actions, compelling them to act against their duty and integrity. However, not all payments are bribes; for instance, rebates or discounts available to everyone on an equivalent basis are legal, whereas a discount given specifically to sway an official's decision would be considered bribery. The practice takes many forms, including money, gifts, kickbacks, and even promises of promotion, and it is a global issue that the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 16 aims to substantially reduce. Cultural norms heavily influence what is considered a bribe, as seen in the United States where legal campaign contributions exist, while other countries criminalize such cash, and in regions like Latin America where bribes are colloquially called mordida ("bite") or in Germany, Schmiergeld ("lubricant money"). Research indicates that because bribery becomes embedded in different societal norms, a single punitive approach is ineffective across all countries, as severe punishment may work in one nation but fail in another. Ultimately, bribery significantly impacts both public and private firms worldwide, highlighting the need for tailored anti-corruption strategies.