Abstract:
The aim of this study was to investigate the motives of white-collar criminals so as
to gain a better understanding of white-collar crime and develop measures that
can help to reduce it. The study involved face-to-face interviews with white-collar
offenders imprisoned at a correctional centre in South Africa. The data collected
provided evidence to support the existing theory relating to the motives for whitecollar
crime; however, a previously unreported theme of race emerged as a key
motivator among the respondents. Race was further identified as a key
justification for committing the crime. Suggestions from the respondents to
employment relations practitioners on how best to mitigate the risks were also
collected and reported. The deterrents that were identified as most effective by
the respondents revolved around four themes, namely reports and signing
authority, working environment, education and matching roles and responsibilities.
