Criminogenic Antecedents - Dynamics of Employee Criminal Behaviour in Business Organisations

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to review the literature in terms of selected individual and organisational factors facilitating employee criminal behaviour in business organisations. Approach: The paper draws on numerous theoretical perspectives on criminal behaviour in the business context, specifically crimes of obedience, moral disengagement, collective reasoning, groupthink, cost-benefit thinking, rationalisation, organisational culture, leadership, and ethical behaviour to explain arrange of criminogenic processes and factors that shape employee criminal behaviour in organisational settings. Findings: Employee criminal behaviour in businesses is influenced by both organisational factors (organisational structure and culture, leadership, followership, ethical climate) and individual factors (self-regulatory capabilities, moral values, beliefs about leader-follower exchanges, narcissism, Machiavellianism, hubris). These elements interact to shape employee criminal behaviour and are subject to the influence of criminogenic processes such as displacement of responsibility, moral disengagement, rationalisation, groupthink and management by obedience. As a result of the criminalisation process, criminal behaviour is eventually normalised and institutionalized throughout a business organisation. Practical implications: The paper helps business organisations understand the broad range of criminogenic factors and processes that influence criminal behaviour. This knowledge has important implications for the formulation and implementation of measures aimed at deterring this behaviour in business organisations. Limitations: The scope of the organisational and individual-related factors under discussion which promote employee criminal behaviour in business organisations is not exhaustive. There are further criminogenic factors influencing employee criminal conduct, which are not covered by this review. Originality/value: The paper discusses some criminogenic antecedents of employee criminal behaviour and analyses the source of this behaviour.