The Evolution of White-Collar Crime Accountability

This chapter examines the historical landscape of white-collar crime, marking the shift in accountability for executives since the 1980s and the innovative practices that emerged to publicly confront these criminals. It contrasts the harsh realities faced by high-profile offenders, like Dennis Kozlowski and Bernie Madoff, with their previous lives of luxury, while exploring the complexities of their motivations and the psychology behind unethical decision-making. The discussion balances empathy and accountability, probing how individual circumstances influence the path to crime and the challenges in addressing corporate misconduct.