Crime Theory: Exploring White-Collar Crime and Control Strategies

This assignment delves into crime theory, examining the roots and manifestations of corruption, particularly in the context of white-collar crime and political systems. It explores the dynamics of power, merit-based systems versus patronage, and the ethical dilemmas individuals face when navigating corrupt environments. The assignment analyzes the movie 'All the King's Men' to illustrate corruption in politics and applies game theory concepts like Nash Equilibrium to understand collusive criminal behavior. It also discusses the historical evolution of corruption control mechanisms in the American government, focusing on antipatronage movements and the separation of politics from administration. The chapter summary highlights the abuse of power for personal gain, the importance of public trust, and the application of scientific models to corruption control, referencing key figures and policies in American history. This assignment provides insights into understanding and combating corruption by emphasizing ethics, transparency, and robust oversight.

Running head: CRIME THEORY
Crime Theory
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

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Answer 1:
Democracy like all other forms of government is the breeding ground for corruption (Plato
and Polybius). Power and Corruption as expounded by John Dalberg-Acton are
proportionate, as power increases so does corruption. A merit-based system for selection of
employees in public positions was developed as an antipatronage movement to establish
qualified and competent individuals in positions of power. This is the best method of
recruitment to curb corruption, favouritism and nepotism. Officers are motivated to work for
the benefit of the public and prevent propagation of previous corruptive practices
Having lost the opportunity for employment to another individual with political
connections, I was motivated to work in a sector that will encourage and appreciate my talent
and expertise like the private sector, whose sole goal is profit maximization and hence they
appreciate merit.
In politics like in most spheres of life the distinction between good and bad gets
blurred. A relative in a powerful position is an asset, especially when I believe in my own
skill set and abilities. I believe I deserve a stable and worthy job, using a powerful connection
is just a means to reach the end, a well-deserved and worthy end.
Answer 2:
In the movie All the King’s Men (2006) we see the lead Willie adopt measures to
enter politics after he has been defeated. His character soon transforms into a man who is
consumed by the power he possesses. In the firsts instance Willie is merely a bait employed
to split the votes to further a bigger political agenda. However once in power Willie adopts
unfair means to help his son and retain his own position all of which lead to a suicide and his
assassination. There are instances of bribery, blackmail, intimation and patronage in various
aspects of the movie. An investigation is initiated to identify possibility of ‘graft’ in Willies
spending, the same however reaps no benefit.

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Answer 3:
Nash Equilibrium presumes following a predetermined action without any external
enforcement. Following a decided course of action is beneficial for both parties even when
there is no external enforcement body (Morrow, 1994). In the given example of Lisa and Lori
it is mutually beneficial for both to stick to their plan. The theory perfectly fits with crimes
that are related to the internet. What is interesting to note is the total benefit of the conspiracy
outweighs any personal gain.
The equilibrium also fits the prisoner’s dilemma (Rapoport, Chammah & Orwant,
1965). As per this Scenario both A and B are convicted for the same crime and there is no
concrete evidence against either at the time of arrest. If both decide to stay quiet and support
each other they each get a sentence for one year, if both turn against each other they both get
an individual sentence of 5 years, however if one snitches on the other they go scot free while
the other must serve a sentence for 15 years. It is mutually beneficial if both stick to their
original plan and say nothing. All the other instances have dire consequences.
This equilibrium and example help establish the link between corruption, fraud and
trusted people within an organisation. While investigating white collar crimes attention must
be paid to the liberties and powers that are assigned to employees, the same must be regularly
monitored and supervised. No one should be put in a position where they have unlimited
power and such authority is unquestioned. A strong whistle blower policy should be in place
to detect and deter such crimes.
Answer 4:
Antipatronage Corruption Control aimed at placing competent and exemplary citizens
in government positions. This had a monumental impact in reforming the American
government and establishing integrity and professionalism as integral parts of a governmental

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structure. The progressive stage began with established integrity within the government
structure. At this stage the administration is separated from party politics. This aims at
separating the administration from the root cause of corruption politics, which degrades and
limits the scope of the administrative (Goodnow, 1900). As a result of the scientific approach
a more practical as opposed to the previous ideological approach was developed., that viewed
administration as a professional discipline. The goal of scientific management was not
limited to controlling corruption but extended to achieving administrative control through
rationality and efficient organisations.
Within the US governmental structure, the first phase of Antipatronage Control set a
tone for all the other stages of corruption control. This phase set certain basic expectations
towards the governmental organisations and its employees. A high standard was set that all
employees had to maintain once they were reinstated but also a high standard was set for
recruiting and appointing government officers. This move for the first time gave importance
to once credentials and merits over lineage and connections.
Chapter Summary:
Corruption has no particular meaning or connotation and is perceived differently
across the globe, what remains constant however in all instances of corruption is the use and
abuse of -power for personal gains (Wells, 2004). The Chapter aims at tracking corruption as
it has occurred in the history of America. An antipatronage movement was established
between 1870-1900 to place individuals of high qualification and merit in important positions
this was followed by a separation of politics from administration in the progressive period till
1933 (Lloyd, 1998). This move was taken to establish public faith and trust on people with
power (Anechiarico & Jacobs, 1996). During his time in office Theodore Roosevelt wanted
to establish a system which encouraged competition and attempted to develop efficient and
effective corruption control and combating mechanisms. The governments that followed from

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1920s were ardent supporters of big businesses, establishments and privatization. This period
also witnessed several scandals and an increased disparity between the rich and poor. With
Charles Dawes playing a significant role in American politics strategies were developed to
investigate instances of tax evasion, plans were developed for restoration of the German
economy, actions were taken to reduce the quantum of national debt. A change in policy
towards government-industry integration, increased protection of labour was witnessed with
the introduction of Franklin Roosevelt who expanded the scope of the Executive in American
politics. The chapter also explores the application of scientific models such as game theory
and Nash equilibrium to illustrations to explore corruption control.

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Reference List:
Anechiarico, F., Jacobs, J. B., & Jacobs, J. B. (1996). The pursuit of absolute integrity: How
corruption control makes government ineffective. University of Chicago Press.
Goodnow, F.J., (1900). Politics and Administration. New York. Russell and Russel
Lloyd, M. D. (1998). Polybius and the Founding Fathers: the separation of powers. St
Margaret’s School,
Morrow, J. D. (1994). Game theory for political scientists (No. 30: 519.83). Princeton
University Press,.
Plato. The Republic.
Rapoport, A., Chammah, A. M., & Orwant, C. J. (1965). Prisoner's dilemma: A study in
conflict and cooperation (Vol. 165). University of Michigan press.
Wells J. (2004), Corporate Fraud Handbook: Prevention and Detection (New York: John
Wiley & Sons)
Zaillian, S. (2006). All the King's Men [Film]. United States of America.