Perceptions of Potential White-Collar Criminals in Romania: A Convenience Theory Approach

ABSTRACT

This article presents survey research in Romania to identify support or lack of support for propositions in convenience theory as they relate to motive, opportunity, and willingness. The research is important, as convenience propositions that might find strong support among respondents indicate areas for reduction in convenience as a measure to prevent and detect white-collar crime. Convenience is a concept not only associated with savings in time and effort but also with avoidance of strain and pain. Respondents express most strongly support for the proposition that persons in top positions have the opportunity to conceal financial crime at work where there is lack of guardianship, oversight and control. An important factor in improving control is reliable whistleblowing that will reduce the convenience of crime by privileged individuals who intend to abuse their positions for personal or organizational gain.

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No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Andreea-Luciana Urzică

Andreea-Luciana Urzica is a PhD student and Associate Teaching Assistant at the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences at Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi in Romania, with professional roles that target research and teaching activities. She has an undergraduate degree in general psychology and a master's degree in organizational psychology. The current focus in her research integrates four key domains of psychology: financial behavior, criminal conduct, organizational dynamics, and social behavior patterns.

Petter Gottschalk

Petter Gottschalk is Professor in the Department of Leadership and Organizational Behavior at BI Norwegian Business School in Oslo, Norway. Before joining academics, he was the chief executive at several enterprises. Dr. Gottschalk has published extensively on white-collar crime, convenience theory, and knowledge management.