The SGBP makes its position on bribery absolutely clear. What is more, both SGBP and the Shell Report 1998 show that these are not intended to be empty words, to be forgotten when they become inconvenient. They form an essential part of the Shell Group's approach to business in all countries and on all occasions. Unfortunately it does, because experience teaches us that, however straightforward the rules and however honest and honourable the intentions of companies and the people who work for them, there will always be grey areas and dilemmas. Generally the problems surrounding the receiving of bribes are less complex than those involving payments.
Entertainment is a difficult area.
No company should demand that its staff is unfriendly or unsociable and, particularly in small communities, 'out of office' meetings with actual or potential business associates may be difficult to avoid. A pleasant atmosphere is often a legitimate aid to good business. The golden rule, which should be absolutely inflexible, is that all gifts or hospitality received, which is of a level that the individual is unlikely to be able to reciprocate, must be declared in writing to one's immediate superior. If this is not done, there will be an automatic presumption of impropriety. It is absolutely clear from the SGBP that no Shell company or employee is authorised at any time or in any place to make a payment in order to win business.