Empirical Study of Convenience Theory: A Student Elicitation on White-Collar Crime

Convenience theory suggests that members of the elite in society commit financial crime in their professional roles when alternative actions require too much effort. Convenience is a relative concept where white-collar crime is chosen over legitimate actions when there is a strong economical motive, ample organizational opportunities, and acceptance of deviant behavior. To study convenience theory, a group of students were asked to express their opinions using a questionnaire. The students participated in an elective class on white-collar crime in a business school in Norway.