askchapo

Having lived/worked in different environments with more homogenous or heterogenous cultural makeup, a lot of this depends on everyone having the same expectation. One reason why places like US have less (I think) is just that people are aware they can't predict anyone else's expectations or reactions. Anybody who comes from a culture of bribe or gift giving will soon get embarrassed when they attempt to do things in the normal way and the intended recipient reacts surprised, offended, maybe even reports them for bad behavior! but within these communities, bribes or gifts maybe still be expected if they can be done without attracting attention.

People give gifts of objects and consumables in addition to cash. And if the recipient is acculturated to it, these are warmly appreciated and do result in better treatment in the future. For example my friend works as an admin who controls access to stuff and the people who bring treats (especially from the preferred bakery, or quality home made) get the high preference. She can tell me about 10 years ago when this person brought a wonderful pie or something and has been forever blessed. A different person, different culture, might consider it rude for a stranger to bring food to them.

You might think, a pie is one thing, who cares about a pie. But sometimes there is jewelry, or free services at client businesses, gift cards, borrow the vacation home for the weekend, etc. There is no reason to expect cash would never be involved.

Another thing that isn't quite a bribe but is barely hidden is when the person has some sort of charity/church or side business you can donate to or patronize. Like if I also paint nails, I tell people about it at work and it can become known that whoever gets me to do their nails (and tips well) will get the most help. Or if you are contacting is, it'll help if you get some ancillary service or supplies from this business my family runs. Otherwise you might find yourself at the bottom of the list forever...

I think to some extent this is natural and human. See Debt by David graeber. But problem is, where is the line and how to enforce it. I wouldnt mind living in a world of small token gifts to acknowledge the value of other people. This is how some people adapt. I know someone who has many clients from a culture where it is mandatory to bring substantial gifts when obtaining the service he provides. My friend finds this unseemly and icky. There has arisen agreement that he will graciously accept cheap token gifts from his customers, a small fraction of the monetary value they want to give. But it still let's the ritual of gift giving be preserved.