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This is a difficult subject because the issues of bribery are in the forefront at all times. Small token gifts such as corporate diaries are very much in vogue, particularly if they are seen as simple corporate marketing and have no real value. Valuable gifts, such as holidays, etc., would be a definite no-no, as they would be seen as attempting to buy influence.
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Gift-giving in a business setting depends on the situation and how well you know the people with who you are in business. In the workplace – especially in the village – coworkers are very close, and look out for each other. When one has a sick child, or a death in the family, others at work will contribute money (in what is called “harambee”, or “pulling together” in Swahili). This isn’t considered a gift exactly – it is really a requirement in many social settings if you want to be accepted.
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The other situations in which gifts are given are; when a person is leaving the company or branch; or when a person is coming back from vacation or a business trip to another part of the country. Coworkers will contribute money to buy gifts for the departing individual to remember them by. The departing individual may also buy a gift for them but it is not required.
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When an individual is returning from vacation, particularly to an exotic place, or a location that few people have visited, small gifts native to that location are nice offerings.
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