Corporate Wrongdoings: Crime and Culture in Transitioning Serbia

Serbia's journey from a centrally planned to a market-driven economy has put a spotlight on corporate behaviors, especially their impact on society. Corporate misdeeds have far-reaching consequences, affecting people's health, the environment, and the economy. The problem? Corporations benefit financially from these harmful actions, posing a dilemma for policymakers. They must decide whether to tweak current laws or create new ones to hold companies accountable. One approach is to update the criminal law basics, so companies can be punished for their actions. This could mean adjusting the idea that only individuals can be held criminally responsible. Another way is to develop new legal categories that fit corporate behaviors. On the other hand, sticking to old laws might be simpler but less effective.

Most countries in Europe and beyond have chosen to update their laws, reflecting a global trend. Serbia started down this path in 2008. However, the question remains: is revising laws enough to curb corporate crime? The authors explore this issue from a criminological and cultural angle. They suggest that understanding how modern corporations work could bring positive changes. The first part of their article explains what corporate crime is and proposes a detailed definition. The second part delves into the role of corporate culture in influencing criminal behavior. They also discuss the concept of 'internal corporate security culture' and how different legal models for punishing corporate crimes fit into this concept.

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