How modern psychology can help us understand white-collar criminals

Purpose: This paper aims to add to the theoretical discussion of white-collar crime by introducing modern psychological decision-making literature and the potential effect on white-collar offending. Design/methodology/approach: Using a theoretical approach, literature on heuristics, innovation and stress, insight into why white-collar offenders decide to commit crime is posited. Findings: The heuristics and strategies that people use to assist in decision-making process may inadvertently promote white-collar crime. For example, stress may inhibit white-collar offenders’ thinking, causing them to discount the risk of committing said offense; individuals may not challenge the success of carrying out a white-collar offense once it is considered; and generally, people will be more optimistic in considering their success of not getting caught. Originality/value: Currently, the study of white-collar crime is discussed largely in the context of sociological factors. Current psychological theories have considerable explanatory power in understanding why white-collar offenders commit their crimes.