From Embezzlement to Antitrust: White Collar Crime Preferences of the Dark Triad

Abstract

Not all White-Collar Crimes (WCCs) are the same with respect to complexity and risk. Using previous rankings of WCC complexity, we examined associations between the Dark Triad traits and the likelihood and self-perceived efficacy of committing these different WCCs. Study 1 ( N = 167) found that those high in Machiavellianism reported higher likelihood of committing the most complex (antitrust violations) but not simplest (embezzlement) WCCs. Individuals high in psychopathy reported a different pattern: a higher likelihood of committing the simplest but not most complex WCCs. Study 2 ( n = 257) replicated this effect among financial professionals. These results are consistent with the impulsive nature of psychopathy and the strategic nature of Machiavellianism. These findings have implications for profiling WCC offenders.