NCJ Number
87008
Journal
Sociological Spectrum Volume: 1 Issue: 2 Dated: (April-June 1981) Pages: 159-166
Date Published
1981
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This paper addresses the issue of corporate crime, here defined as any illegal or unethical act or practice engaged in by corporate leaders to improve their own positions by increasing the profit margin of a corporation.
Abstract
The paper considers the modern corporation at the mid-range level from an exchange theory approach. Some executives develop in an environment that is conducive to crime, an environment in which individuals can become deviants simply by learning and internalizing the culture. Within this environment, executives play a game in which power is determined by the control and usage of mutually valued, scarce goods and resources. These goods or resources are material, symbolic, and evaluative as well as behavioral. The uneven distribution of these valued goods and resources leads to an unequal system of exchange among corporate executives. Less powerful executives who hope to gain advantage within this system are confronted with the decision to trade their personal integrity, or their willingness to engage in deviant behavior, for the chance to succeed. Ten references are provided. (Author abstract modified)