It is acknowledged that white collar crime offenders differ from street offenders in a number of ways. There was a prevailing idea that a white collar offender is a white “respectable” male with high social status (Benson & Simpson, 2009, p. 19). As for psychological characteristics, it was believed that white collar offenders were “ego-driven” and “cunning” criminals (Personality, environment, 2006). However, a growing body of research has demonstrated that this is a biased representation of such kind of criminal. Researchers have identified major demographic and psychological traits of white collar offenders.
As far as demographic characteristics are concerned, it is possible to note that white collar offenders are predominantly white males in their forties (Feeley, 2014). In the vast majority of cases, these offenders have college or high school education and are unlikely to be unemployed (Ragatz, Fremouw and Baker, 2012). It is noteworthy that white collar offenders are less likely to abuse substances (Babiak, Neumann, & Hare, 2010). It is possible to conclude that white collar offenders are usually well off and have certain status (the status can be quite high) in the society. Though, these people are not necessarily rich or occupy significant position in the society. It is also necessary to add that white collar crimes are often committed by women (one third of cases) but these crimes are not very serious (Feeley, 2009). This can be a result of the existing glass ceiling and lack of opportunities for females. This can also involve certain psychological characteristics as white collar crime offenders often have traits attributed to males.
For instance, it has been found that white collar offenders are often characterised by traits which are common among high-profile successful managers. Benson and Manchak (2014) note that it was believed that culture was the major factor that accounts for white collar crimes. Nonetheless, at present, researchers state that individual’s psychological characteristics are the key factors in the process. Thus, Ragatz et al. (2012) provide the following description of a white collar criminal. This person is confident and creative, competitive and demonstrates social extraversion (Ragatz et al., 2012). Notably, these qualities often make a good top manager. However, white collar offenders are not team workers and are characterised by quite high level of narcissism and conscientiousness. Ragatz et al. (2012, p. 982) add that such criminals show low level of “behavioural self-control”. Thus, it turns out that the white collar offender is a creative (which involves attention to details) and confident employee who is capable of breaking social rules.
On balance, it is necessary to note that demographic and psychological characteristics of white collar offenders are seen differently now. At present, when talking about this kind of criminal, people do not see a hypothetical wealthy white cunning male. The white collar offender is now seen as a male employee in his 40-s who has all major characteristics to be a high-profile professional but chooses to break the rules. Notably, females are also involved in such crimes but these cases are not very common. It is important to note that research has enabled people to see new facets of the complex issue and it will be possible to identify characteristics which predict certain behaviour in employees. Clearly, further research is necessary in this field.
Reference List
Babiak, P., Neumann, G.S., & Hare, R.D. (2010). Corporate psychopathy: talking the walk. Behavioral Sciences and the Law, 28(1), 174-193.
Benson, M., & Manchak, S. M. (2014). The psychology of white-collar offending. In Oxford handbooks online in criminology and criminal justice.
Benson, M., & Simpson, S.S. (2009). White collar crime: An opportunity perspective. Oxon: Routledge.
Feeley. (2014). Module II: Topic 1. Retrieved from www.articulate.com
Personality, environment, and the causes of white-collar crime. (2006). Law & Psychology Review, 30, 201-208.
Ragatz, L.L., Fremouw, W., Baker, E. (2012). The psychological profile of white-collar offenders: Demographics, criminal thinking, psychopathic traits, and psychopathology. Criminal Justice and Behavior, 39(7), 978-997.