Why they do it : inside the mind of the white-collar criminal
(Book)

Includes bibliographical references (pages 339-433) and index.

"Perplexed as to why people who seemingly had it all would risk it all just to acquire more, Eugene Soltes began an investigation into the mind of the corporate criminal. His journey into this netherworld included intense and lengthy personal interactions with the famous (such as Bernie Madoff, executives from Enron, Worldcom, Tyco, and McKinsey) as well as those who are lesser known-- all of whom traded places of privilege for prison and disgrace. Based on intimate details from personal visits, interviews, letters and phone calls and fascinating psychological, sociological and historical insight, [this book] is a breakthrough look at a modern phenomenon. Soltes pushes beyond the explanation that these criminals were driven by psychological aberration, overconfidence, or excessive greed and ambition. Nor did they rationally calculate the costs and benefits of their crimes. Instead, these people were working in a "grey zone"-- stepping over the line, often without careful calculation, letting their intuition and gut feel for what is right and wrong elude them. Based on innovative research and extended contact with close to 50 former executives- -many of whom have never spoken about their crimes-- Soltes provides insights such as why some saw the immediate effects of misconduct as positive; why executives often don't feel the emotions-- angst, guilt, shame-- most people would expect; and how acceptable norms in the business community can differ from those of the broader society. No one book has provided a complete picture of this phenomenon of the white-collar criminal. [This book] is an original, provocative, and compelling analysis of a complex disturbing trend that will, with the ever-increasing globalization of business, continue to worsen"--,Provided by publisher.