Perceptions of offender motives, opportunities and willingness for financial crime: an empirical analysis of survey responses in six nations

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to identify perceptions of financial crime among students in six different countries. Design/methodology/approach Survey research was conducted among students in India, Iran, Malaysia, Norway, Romania and the USA to compare the ranking of perceptions. Findings The following three propositions for financial crime had most agreement among respondents: lack of oversight and guardianship, legitimate access to resources and heroic offender status. Research limitations/implications Scholars involved in various countries conducted survey research at different points in time with little knowledge of each other’s survey populations and response rates. Practical implications Crime convenience and, thus, attractiveness can be addressed by focusing on propositions finding the strongest agreement in the surveys. Social implications Agreement and lack of agreement indicate priorities in fighting financial crime. Originality/value The diversity of nations involved in survey research makes this study interesting.