Categories of white-collar offenders based on the theory of convenience

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to make a contribution to the offender-based perspective when researching white-collar and corporate crime. Previously, the offender-based perspective has emphasized general characteristics of actors such as social and occupational status, respectability and power. Design/methodology/approach This paper presents categories of offender types in their roles when offending. Findings Based on the theory of convenience with 14 convenience propositions along three dimensions, it is possible to identify eight offender categories. Research limitations/implications Alternative theories for identification of offender categories might be applied in future research to compare with categories presented in this paper based on convenience theory. Practical implications These offender categories are labeled opportunist, illusionist, manipulator, ignorer, defender, reactionist, rescuer and controller. Social implications The offender-bases rather than the offence-based perspective is needed to increase law enforcement understanding of white-collar and corporate crime. Originality/value When researchers study the extent of seriousness of white-collar and corporate crime in the future, it is suggested that they use such labels to distinguish between serious and less serious offenders.