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Now it's clear why our business isn't doing well: the boss (who is also the owner) absolutely refuses to give bribes and can't stand kickbacks :D

Here, you need to look at the specifics – what kind of business, what is the market structure, what are the legislative requirements/restrictions, etc. There are a number of situations where it is more profitable not to bribe – it is easier to pay an official fine and eliminate the identified violations. That is, to create the image of a prickly hedgehog, "lots of noise, little wool," just to be left alone.

For example, I read the LiveJournal of a friend, bulochnikov, who owns a chain of stores, and he discusses the issue of interacting with supervisory authorities in detail – where you need to give, who you don't need to give to, and who it is even harmful to give to.