What Is Corporate Crime? It Is Not Illegal Corporate Behavior

Corporate misconduct is of increasing concern to society ‐ and researchers. Despite this increased research focus, little is known about the factors that lead to such wrongdoing, the consequences of such behavior, and consequently of meaningful remedies and deterrence measures. A large factor in this information problem is the ambiguity surrounding the definition and use of the terms “corporate crime” and “illegal corporate behavior.” Researchers use them interchangeably despite the fact they are two different phenomena. This article reviews some of the definitions and uses of these terms, and points out the confusion which results. It then discusses major differences between illegal corporate behavior and corporate crime, and the positive implications of treating them separately.