facilitation payment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "facilitation payment" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in the context of business or legal discussions to refer to a payment made to expedite a process or service, often in situations where such payments may be considered unethical or illegal. Example: "The company has a strict policy against facilitation payments to ensure compliance with international anti-corruption laws."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

We are not deterred by the facilitation payment investigation".

The Guardian - Business

Today's facilitation payment is tomorrow's bribe.The pesticidal power of market forcesMarket forces are likely to prove far more effective than legal forces in the fight against bribery.

The Economist

At the same time, BP professes that "we will never offer, solicit or accept a bribe in any form .Britain's Department of Trade and Industry concedes that there is no clear definition of a facilitation payment or of precisely how it differs from a bribe.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Facilitation payments, also known as kickbacks or backhanders are a common form of bribery.

The Guardian

Facilitation payments (defined as "payments to induce officials to perform routine functions they are otherwise obligated to perform") are included, for example.

The Guardian

One commitment is to end so-called "facilitation payments" paid to foreign government officials in the course of routine business.

The Economist

The failure of the company's defence of hospitality and facilitation payments sets an important legal precedent, they added.

Independent

For example, 84 companies said they were committed to the law, including anti-corruption measures, but only 19 said they ban "facilitation payments" or bribes.

The Guardian

Facilitation payments, investors assure themselves, are vital to the smooth running of any operation in more than half the world's countries.In this section Losing its way?

The Economist

BP and Unilever, two British multinationals that are quoted in America, admitted to a British parliamentary committee a year ago that they make facilitation payments.

The Economist

Of course, the victims were also told to send "facilitation payments" to anonymous bank accounts, and to keep quiet about the deal.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing international business ethics, clarify the distinction between legitimate fees and potentially unethical "facilitation payments".

Common error

Avoid using "facilitation payment" interchangeably with "bribe". While both involve payments to influence actions, "facilitation payments" typically expedite routine processes, while bribes aim to secure preferential treatment or illegal outcomes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "facilitation payment" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig shows, it identifies a specific type of payment made to expedite routine administrative processes.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "facilitation payment" refers to a payment made to expedite routine administrative processes. As shown by Ludwig, it appears most frequently in news and business contexts and is generally grammatically correct. While the expression is accepted in business-related environments, care should be taken not to confuse "facilitation payments" with outright bribes, as the former aims to accelerate existing procedures, whereas the latter seeks to influence decisions. Remember, legality varies by jurisdiction, so ensure compliance with local laws and ethical guidelines.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expediting fee

Focuses on the fee aspect rather than the payment's purpose.

speed money

Highlights the intent to accelerate a process.

grease money

Implies a more informal and potentially illicit transaction.

under-the-table payment

Emphasizes the concealed nature of the transaction.

kickback

Suggests a secret or illegal commission.

unofficial fee

Highlights the lack of formal authorization for the payment.

sweetener

A more euphemistic term for a payment that helps smooth a deal.

incentive payment

Suggests the payment is intended to encourage specific behavior.

commission

Focuses on a payment earned for services rendered, potentially to accelerate a process.

bribe

Implies a corrupt payment to influence a decision.

FAQs

What exactly is a "facilitation payment"?

A "facilitation payment" is a sum paid to expedite routine government actions, like obtaining permits or processing customs. It's often distinguished from a bribe, which aims to influence decisions illegally.

What is another way to say "facilitation payment"?

Alternatives include "expediting fee", "speed money", or, more negatively, "grease money". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired connotation.

Are "facilitation payments" legal?

The legality of "facilitation payments" varies by jurisdiction. Some countries prohibit them entirely, while others may allow small payments to expedite routine administrative tasks. The UK Bribery Act, for example, prohibits them, while the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act has exceptions.

How do I avoid making improper "facilitation payments"?

Implement a clear anti-corruption policy, conduct due diligence on local partners, and train employees on ethical business practices. Document all transactions transparently to avoid any ambiguity.