Corporate social responsibility and white-collar crime: exploring how companies can promote ethical behavior and prevent white-collar crime within their organization

Abstract

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) and white-collar crime are two topics that have gained increasing attention in recent years. CSR refers to a company's obligation to conduct business in an ethical and socially responsible manner. White-collar crime involves illegal activities committed by individuals in positions of power and authority within organizations. The relationship between CSR and white-collar crime is complex. Companies that prioritize CSR may still be vulnerable to white-collar crime. This is because white-collar crime often involves individuals who abuse their positions of power for personal gain, regardless of a company's ethical standards. Companies may prioritize CSR for strategic reasons, such as improving their reputation and avoiding legal sanctions, rather than out of a genuine commitment to social responsibility.

Despite these obstacles, there is a growing understanding of the significance of addressing white- collar crime as part of CSR. This involves initiatives to promote organizational openness and accountability, as well as increased scrutiny of individuals in positions of authority. Some argues that CSR can help prevent white-collar crime by fostering an organizational culture of ethical behavior and accountability. The relationship between CSR and white-collar crime is an important area of inquiry for both academics and practitioners. With a better understanding of how these two concepts intersect, we can work towards creating more socially responsible and ethical organizations.