Re:Should this actionable against Microsoft? (Score 2, Insightful)

While I do not condone microsoft's actions, I must point out that this is how international firms operate in nations that are perceived as "corrupt". Funds used for bribery are chalked up as business expenses. While in this instance, microsoft's actions are particularly spiteful and could be considered juvenile, I would like to recreate a scenario from a business ethics course. You work for company A. Company A produces a brand new AIDS cure. You have been notified that your first massive shipment of AIDS cure is held up at the borders of desperate corrupt country. You go to see what the matter is and there seems to be a hold up in customs. Your AIDS cure is time sensitive, it will be destroyed if not stored properly. The customs official hints that if you give him a handout, he will grant immediate release. What do you do? There is no 'correct' answer. Do you uphold the law and report him, potentially losing the shipment and possibly the lives of those it will save? Or do you pay him off for 'the greater good'? I know the example is a bit extreme, but there are areas in the world were bribery is an accepted practice. Until these systems are removed, all firms have to work within them or be at a comparative disadvantage.