This paper examines "Profit Without Honor: White-Collar Crime and the Looting of America" by Stephen M. Rosoff, Harry N. Pontell and Robert Tillman, which discusses white-collar crime with specific attention to accountants' and auditors' fraud.
Abstract The paper looks closely at the book "Profit Without Honor: White-Collar Crime and the Looting of America" by Rosoff, Pontell and Tillman and asserts that the book is a testament to the need for dramatic change in the government to gain control of white-collar crime. The paper discusses the authors' contention that white-collar crime, especially in accounting and auditing, continues despite many efforts by law enforcement agencies and government officials. The paper agrees with Rosoff, Pontell and Tillman that white-collar crime is as affecting and malicious as other forms of crime and should be addressed appropriately.
From the Paper "Rosoff, Pontell & Tillman address the subject of fraud and white-collar crime in their work, Profit Without Honor: White-Collar Crime and the Looting of America. This book provides the reader with an overview of the many types of white collar crimes occurring in the States including fraudulent actions in accounting and auditing. Rosoff, Pontell & Tillman (2004) note how history is infamous for showing the many ways that institutions can create, distribute and store money, and how easy it is for employees to gain access to that money. The manner in which money is stored according to the authors, is partly to blame for the "evolution" of white-collar crime as they refer to it."
Abstract This paper discusses white-collar crime. The essay argues that William J. Chambliss' theories offer a useful tool to understand white collar crime as systemic rather than as the result of individual moral lapses. The paper discusses these theories in detail, such as his view that white-collar crime is a result of capitalist societies.
From the Paper "White Collar Crime White-collar crime is crime that is committed by corporations, or by salaried, professional individuals, or by people in business. It is non-violent, but it accounts for far greater financial losses than does street crime, and indeed is a far more serious problem. William J. Chambliss maintains that white-collar crime is a direct result of the capitalist societies in which it flourishes."
This paper covers some recent research into white-collar crime and ties it in with the rational-choice theory of crime. This paper focuses more on the causal aspect of white-collar crime than on the outcome aspect of it.
Abstract This paper discusses how the existing stereotype of a white-collar offender as a high-ranking executive may be flawed. The demographics of white-collar offenders suggest most of them are middle-class white males. It looks at the theories as to why such people would commit these crimes and explains that most theories center on the rational-choice decision making process because of the protracted and diligent nature of white-collar crimes. It further discusses how, within the white-collar inmate community, there also appear to be two separate pathways to white-collar crime: one marked by previous run-ins with the law before turning to white-collar crime, and the other one marked by no run-ins with the law.
From the Paper "White-collar crime has gained increased notoriety in recent years with the downfall of Enron, WorldCom, and insider trading by Martha Stewart. Despite its increased awareness in the public, its etiology is not well known. One of the main reasons for criminologists' naivete regarding white-collar crime is the lack of scientific research on the topic. The relative lack of data arises from an array of political, sociological, penological, and funding issues. The data that is available to researchers indicates that the existing stereotype of white-collar crime offenders is flawed."
Abstract The paper examines the various sentences handed down for white collar crimes and illustrates how those that commit white-collar crimes are less likely to be incarcerated than those that commit conventional crimes. The paper explains that white-collar crime has not attracted the same attention in western society as conventional crime. The rate of recidivism for white-collar criminals and the difficulty in establishing rehabilitation programs for white collar criminals is also examined. In light of these findings, the paper contends that greater public awareness is needed to develop the political will to deal with such crime and change the criminal law to make prosecution easier.
Outline:
Introduction
White Collar Crime
Sentences
Incarceration: State vs. Other Institutions
Recidivism
Rehabilitation
Summary
From the Paper "Prosecutors do not have the resources to deal with white-collar criminals that are investigated by the police and brought before the courts. Those criminals that do get to court appear before judges that relate to them and have difficulty convicting and sentencing them to incarceration. Any periods of incarceration are usually of a short period of time and in minimal security facilities. Of course there are exceptions but generally conventional crime is treated more harshly. Rehabilitation is usually not an option for model prisoners who are not suited for addiction and anger management programs."
Abstract This paper explains that white-collar crime has the potential to cause billions of dollars in losses to both corporations and individuals; as businesses go bankrupt because of illegitimate operations practices, individuals suffer economic losses that have the potential to be devastating. The author points out that, motivated primarily by financial gain, white-collar offenders have become increasingly savvy, thanks to the internet and other avenues, which allow acquisition of otherwise private information. The paper relates that legislation which includes lengthening jail terms for offenders has been enacted in an effort to deter white-collar criminals; however, many people suggest that longer jail terms are not enough to deter criminals, and instead, imposing larger severe fines is the best way to deter and prevent future activity.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Issues
Review of Literature
Overview/Causes
Identity Theft
Internet Fraud
Other White-collar Crimes
Deterring and Preventing White-collar Crimes
Specific Prevention Measures
Findings
Conclusions
From the Paper "What is white-collar crime? The term, coined in 1939 defines crime as "crime committed by a person of respectability and high social status in the course of his occupation." White-collar crime is usually associated with criminal activity that is non-violent. The motivation is usually financial gain. White-collar offenders usually 'scam' or deceptively acquire finances through corporations or by obtaining the personal financing material of individuals. Common white-collar offenses according to the Legal Information Institute at Cornell University include: Anti-trust violations, computer/internet fraud, credit card fraud, phone/telemarketing, bankruptcy fraud, financial fraud, tax evasion, insider trading, bribery, money laundering and embezzlement among others."
Abstract This paper presents examples of white collar crime in the US such as the Enron scandal and Dennis Levine, as well as many less-known incidents. Contained in the paper are descriptions of studies done on the subject and includes discussion on the founder of the National White Collar Crime Center, Edwin Sutherland, who also coined the term "white collar crime." The paper includes statistics on the effects of, loss from, punishment for, and incidents of white collar crime in several different areas. It also includes many citations and explanations on the type of punishment received by white collar criminals.
From the Paper "Two other large names associated with white collar and corporate crime are Dennis Levine and Michael Milken. They were involved in the notorious insider trading scandal of the 1980's. As executives of the Wall Street firm Drexel Burnham Lambert, Levine and Milken had access to information about company mergers and future changes in stock prices before it was released to the public. Trading on this information is highly advantageous, but illegal. After agreeing to a plea bargain, Levine served a two-year sentence at a minimum security prison and paid $11.6 million in restitution and fines, although in his book Inside Out, Levine contests that his profits were only $10.6 million."
Abstract In this article, the writer provides a clear overview of the different manifestations of white-collar crime, as well as provides insight into the historical development of the term. The study also focuses on the insidious nature of white-collar crime in terms of issues such as trust and the apparent respectability associated with the crime, as well as other pertinent aspects. The paper explores the way that this form of crime operates and the legal aspects that surround and prevent it and that have been implemented to curtail this expensive and growing category of crime. While the focus of the paper is on the way white-collar crime affects modern business, especially online business, the paper also focuses on the numerous ways that it negatively impacts on and affects society in general.
Outline:
Introduction
Definitions and Overview
History of the Term
Types of White-Collar Crimes
The Extent and Impact of White-Collar Crime
Conclusion
From the Paper "In sociological and criminological terms, this was a radical deviation for the accepted perception of the criminal in society."
"It should also be noted that this was not the very first time that affluent businesspersons and the 'upper-class' had been identified as criminals. The difference was that the popularization and acceptance of the term white-collar criminal indicated an important a shift in theory and in the formal perception of this criminal type. This was to have a dramatic effect on policies and the theories about modern criminal behavior."
Abstract The writer of this article discusses the difficulties in transitioning from a blue collar to a white collar society. The writer maintains that there are barriers involved in such a transition. Issues of economic stratification and social mobility are examined. In this paper, the writer discusses psychological research on identity, in addition to theories from the fields of sociology and economics.
From the Paper "Economic stratification has long been recognized as an inescapable element within most societies. In capitalist economies, such as that of the United States making the transition from working to middle class or from blue collar to white collar occupations and lifestyles has always been recognized as a possibility. Nevertheless, social mobility is difficult to achieve because of a number of barriers to circulation between the economic classes. This essay will draw upon the fields of psychology, sociology and economics to examine ... "
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that in the past decade, fraud, corruption and crime have emerged as the greatest threats to economic development and business management. The list of companies that have been economically crippled by white collar crime continues to grow, as the lives of their corresponding CEOs and board of directors are subject to ruin in the process. The writer points out that the fall of Enron remains one of the most notable accounting scandals involving white collar criminals. This paper analyzes the actions of various individuals portrayed in the film 'Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room', and examines their actions under theories attributable to white collar crimes. Finally, the paper concludes by explaining the concept of the micro-macro connection through utilization of the casual analysis in the paper.
Outline:
Introduction
Instances of White Collar Crime Portrayed in the Film
Theoretical Behavior Analysis
Social-Psychological Theory
Strain Theory
Organization Theory
Differential Association Theory
Conclusion
From the Paper "The actions of Kenneth Lay and Jeffrey Skilling can be analyzed under social-psychological theory as it relates to white collar crime. Social-psychological theory attempts to explain how the thoughts, feelings and behaviors of individuals are influenced by other people. This theory places a great deal of emphasis on the immediate social situation and the interaction between person and situation variables. When Enron executives followed directions from its accounting firm, Arthur Andersen, to destroy documents, they acted in accordance with social-psychological theory. Although the document destruction at Enron was specifically to cover up the state of the company, employees followed it because they either figured that they had no choice, or would be terminated if they refused or were scared to be a whistleblower."
Abstract This paper examines how white-collar crime is generally classified into forms of offenses, namely, corporate crime, occupational crime, and organized crime. It looks at how, in Australia, most of these crimes correspond to fraud, which greatly affects the Australian economy, causing integrity issues in the Australian market. It also discusses how, with the continuous developments in today's technology, white-collar crimes are significantly influenced and how new state-of-the-art technologies provide white-collar offenders with more opportunities and domains to pursue illegal acts.
From the Paper "An example of an occupational crime is a "computer crime". Due to advancements in today's technology, computer crimes burden many of today's business organizations and companies. Computer crimes such as unauthorized access to systems, sabotage of system securities, and credit card theft are some of which that entail technical knowledge in computers. Hence, the offense is classified as an occupational crime. According to the 2002 survey jointly conducted by AusCERT, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, and NSW Police, there is an increasing rate of computer crimes in Australia. Compared to the computer crime rate in 1999, 2002 showed a 100% increase."
This paper discusses George Herbert's poem "The Collar", a direct complaint voiced by a bitter person to show his discord with the restraints, which bind him so tightly.
750 words (approx. 3 pages), 0 sources, 2005, $ 26.95
Abstract This paper explains that George Herbert expresses in his poem "The Collar" that the chains, which bind him, are self-evident with the collar he must wear and that he must come to the self-realization that he must change his thoughts or deny God. The author points out that the poem as a whole is about the cleric talking to himself and should not be perceived as a prayer. The paper relates that, as the poem progresses, the images of "collars and cages" and "rope and cable" appear, which, for the most part, are not harmful but hinder him in some respects.
From the Paper "The person of whom Herbert is writing wants to be free from his human condition and of the duties that the collar represents. Back in Herbert's day, "The Collar" was representative of a condition that represented himself, something on the line of being entrapped or of being hemmed in and he is speaking abstractly of himself where he wants to break loose. Therefore he says, "I struck the board, and cried, No more" showing his frustration over the matter. (1). This is a very dramatic, arrogant and overstated act."
Abstract This paper analyzes the limited accountability of private institutions for white-collar crimes in the United States. It provides a detailed explanation of the legal limitations in regards to private sector companies and why legal accountability is often restricted due to a lack of "transparency" in white-collar crime. The paper specifically discusses the lack of criminal accountability in regards to government deregulation and white-collar identity in America.
From the Paper "In conclusion, this study has analyzed the various aspects of lack of criminal accountability in regards to government deregulation and white-collar identity in America. By realizing the scope of governmental and corporate collusion in deregulating laws that make corporations accountable for white-collar crime, the identities of those responsible are often abstracted by the private business institutions and legal ambiguities they represent. Furthermore, the perception the immaterial nature of items being stolen from companies also plays a part in decreasing the liability for corporate elites to be prosecuted in a court of law. These are the various aspects of a lack of corporate accountability that is a major problem for interpreting white-collar crimes and those legal issues that prevent individuals to be prosecuted within American business organizations."
Abstract This paper examines the phenomenon of escalating white-collar crime in corporate society. The paper defines white collar crime and then analyzes the reasons for its escalation. It argues that the reasons for this escalation go right to the root of the nature and values of our society, which in turn are reflected in our legal system. Finally, the paper looks at the ineffective nature of punishments for white collar crime.
From the Paper "Thus, we see that one reason for the escalation of white-collar crime is that the legal system does not punish such crimes effectively, and that this is turn reflects our social values, which basically value property more than people. This tends to encourage white-collar crime. Another reason is that corporations have no moral or legal duties except to their shareholders - so that killing people can sometimes be seen as justified. All in all, it seems that the rise in white-collar crime is linked to the materialist, consumerist nature of our society, which is reflected in our legal systems."
Abstract This paper discusses issues of white-collar crime: waste in the oil industry, the U.S. government sabotaging the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), corporate fraud and the sentencing of white-collar criminals.
Table of Contents:
Focus on the Waste Oil Industry
The U.S. Government Sabotaging OSHA
Investigation and Effects of Corporate Fraud
Sentences for White-Collar Criminals
From the Paper "The number of victims, including crimes with high shareholder losses, is closely related to how offenders are sentenced; perceived intent and responsibility of shareholders frequently plays out dramatically in the media. Media attention may be the cause or the result of stricter punishments for crimes with multiple victims. Despite a few of these high profile cases, including large media frenzies like Enron, white-colar crime is Weissmann and Block (2007) report found that the average federal sentence for fraud in 2005 was a relatively slim 23.6 months in prison."
Abstract The paper offers a definition of white collar crime and identifies the often neglected victims. The paper looks at the argument that deregulation of the business sector is a good thing even in the face of numerous allegations of corporate fraud and embezzlement. The paper discusses how the American system is not perfect, but maintains that it ultimately falls to companies to enforce their own moral codes and business protocols. The paper further contends that it is the responsibility of share-holders to ask tough questions, to exercise caution and prudence and to educate themselves on the business situation confronting them.
Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Defining White Collar Crime
The Neglected Victims of White Collar Crime
And Still, a Defense of Deregulation
Conclusion
From the Paper "White collar crime emerged as a conspicuous problem in American society right around the same time as the heady, materialistic culture of the 1980s reached its height - or nadir, as the case may be. To wit, while always a part of the American business landscape (at least during the first four decades of the twentieth century, but surely earlier) white collar crime veritably exploded in the 1980s with the huge savings and loans scandals that rocked Wall Street. In this decade, the 2000s, the government has belatedly responded to the most recent rash of white collar crimes by passing a number of laws intended to curb corporate wrong-doing. Unfortunately, it is still too soon to ascertain whether or not these measures are actually working to reduce white collar crime - or simply producing more bureaucratic entanglements (for a broad discussion on all of this, please see Feeley, 2006)."
