I think that bribery is too pervasive to be based on cultural norms. I take it as a sign of disorganization and lack of professionalism in government and instit

I think that bribery is too pervasive to be based on cultural norms. I take it as a sign of disorganization and lack of professionalism in government and institutions, which is a sign of weak rule of law and a weak ability to govern. Establishing order and predictability in society is the core function of government, and that's incompatible with officials not taking their jobs seriously and accepting bribes. It's a self-perpetuating cycle, whether for better or for worse: children in the US grow up expecting professionalism in government, and children in most other countries learn not to expect it.