Convenience propositions for white-collar offenders : perceptions of seriousness in Romania

Perception of white-collar crime seriousness varies from unfortunate incidents that can be excused to a major crime that needs harsh punishment. Students at a university in Romania were asked about their perceptions of seriousness. On a scale from 1 (not serious) to 7 (extremely serious) most students responded by very serious (6) on most questionnaire items. Responses indicate that individual greed to benefit the person is the most serious, while a rational choice of crime is the least serious. This study concludes that students consider white-collar crime to be less serious when people involved use financial wrongdoings as a last resort to avoid personal/organizational bankruptcy. they seem more indulgent when financial crime is a result of omission/concealment of criminal activity.