NCJ Number
244970
Journal
British Journal of Criminology Volume: 53 Issue: 4 Dated: July 2013 Pages: 533-551
Date Published
July 2013
Length
19 pages
Annotation
Institutional corruption involves influences that implicitly or purposively serve to distort the independence of a professional in a position of trust.
Abstract
Institutional corruption involves influences that implicitly or purposively serve to distort the independence of a professional in a position of trust. The concept brings into focus the everyday norms, practices and scripts of professional life that can systematically influence unethical behaviors. To make visible these often implicit influences, insider accounts are particularly valuable. This is demonstrated through an analysis of insider accounts by Jack Abramoff, the American lobbyist who was criminally charged in 2006. From these accounts, the author developed a typology of techniques that perpetuate the social organization of institutional corruption in lobbying and Congress. More broadly, the institutional corruption concept provides an empirical pathway that can rejuvenate inquiries into the world of professional misconduct and unethical behavior. (Published Abstract)