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White-collar crime, a term introduced by Edwin H. Sutherland in 1939, has witnessed significant evolution in its conceptualization over the years. Sutherland initially defined white-collar crime as "[a] crime committed by a person of respectability and high social status in the course of his occupation." This definition primarily focused on the social status of the offender and the context in which the crime occurred. However, as societal structures and economic systems have evolved, so too has our understanding of white-collar crime.
Contemporary perspectives challenge Sutherland's narrow characterization, suggesting a more complex and dynamic understanding of white-collar criminal behavior.
In contrast to Sutherland's definition, contemporary scholars and practitioners offer diverse perspectives on white-collar crime. Cynthia Barnett's research, presented to the U.S. Justice Department, reveals that the definition remains subject to debate, with three major categories emerging: offender-based, offense-based, and organizationally structured crimes. This broader conceptualization acknowledges the multifaceted nature of white-collar criminal activities in modern society.
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Furthermore, Barnett's work highlights the need for a flexible and adaptable definition that can accommodate the evolving landscape of economic and technological advancements.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) provides a refined definition of white-collar crime, emphasizing its deceptive and non-violent nature. According to the FBI, white-collar crime encompasses illegal acts characterized by deceit, concealment, or violation of trust, perpetrated to obtain financial gain, avoid losses, or secure personal or business advantages. This definition underscores the diverse motives and methods employed by white-collar offenders.
It also highlights the importance of understanding the underlying motivations and behavioral patterns of individuals involved in white-collar criminal activities.
Recognizing the characteristics of typical white-collar offenders is imperative for effective investigation and prevention efforts. Building upon psychological insights, researchers Bauwens and Egan identify five common personality traits among individuals involved in white-collar crime. These traits include conscientiousness, agreeableness, openness to experience, extraversion, and neuroticism. Of these traits, conscientiousness and agreeableness are particularly influential in determining an individual's susceptibility to fraudulent behavior. Additionally, Bauwens and Egan's research highlights the importance of considering individual differences and situational factors in understanding white-collar criminal behavior.
Further analysis of white-collar offenders reveals additional patterns and trends. For instance, studies indicate that white-collar offenders tend to be, on average, approximately ten years older than non-violent offenders of common crimes. This age discrepancy suggests a correlation between career advancement and opportunities for engaging in white-collar criminal behavior. Additionally, a significant proportion of white-collar offenders are college graduates, indicating a potential link between higher education attainment and access to positions of trust and opportunity within organizations. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions and preventive measures aimed at addressing the unique risk factors associated with white-collar crime.
Employment status emerges as a critical factor in understanding white-collar criminal behavior. Unlike common criminals whose criminal activities often constitute their primary source of income, white-collar offenders typically maintain steady employment, often within positions of trust or authority within victim organizations. This employment stability facilitates the execution of sophisticated fraudulent schemes, underscoring the importance of vigilant monitoring and internal controls within organizational settings. Additionally, the close relationship between white-collar offenders and their employing organizations highlights the need for enhanced corporate governance practices and ethical standards to prevent and detect instances of misconduct.
In conclusion, the evolving definition and characteristics of white-collar crime necessitate a nuanced understanding to effectively address this complex phenomenon. While Edwin H. Sutherland's original conception provided a foundational framework, contemporary research and empirical evidence have expanded our understanding, highlighting the multifaceted nature of white-collar criminal behavior. By recognizing the diverse range of offender characteristics and employing targeted investigative approaches, stakeholders can enhance efforts to combat white-collar crime and safeguard against financial losses and breaches of trust within organizational contexts. Moving forward, interdisciplinary collaboration and evidence-based interventions will be essential in developing comprehensive strategies to prevent and mitigate the impact of white-collar crime on individuals, organizations, and society as a whole.
The Evolution and Complexity of White-Collar Crime. (2016, Mar 09). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/characteristics-of-a-white-collar-criminal-essay
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