Executive positions involved in white‐collar crime

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an empirical study of white‐collar crime in business organisations, to create insights into perceptions of potential offenders.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey instrument was developed and submitted electronically to the chief financial officers of the 500 largest business organisations in Norway.

Findings

The study identified financial misconduct by chief executive officers in the company as the crime associated with the most serious consequence for the company. However, a person in a purchasing and procurement function is assumed to be the most likely involved in and vulnerable to white‐collar crime.

Research limitations/implications

This is a survey approach that does not reflect actual crime.

Practical implications

Both control mechanisms and ethics are needed to prevent and detect white‐collar crime.

Social implications

No executive should be left alone to handle business matters that can benefit himself/herself. Rather, the four eyes principle should always be applied.

Originality/value

The paper provides statistical evidence that top‐level executives are involved in financial crime.

Citation

Gottschalk, P. (2011), "Executive positions involved in white‐collar crime", Journal of Money Laundering Control, Vol. 14 No. 4, pp. 300-312. https://doi.org/10.1108/13685201111173785