Social competencies and the sociomoral reflectiveness of imprisoned fraudsters
The Journal of Forensic Practice
ISSN: 2050-8794
Article publication date: 16 October 2018
Issue publication date: 7 November 2018
Abstract
Purpose
Although fraud is widespread, little remains known about the specific psychological characteristics of fraudsters that can be used in prevention or treatment. The purpose of this paper is therefore to examine the socio-emotional competencies and moral judgement abilities of convicted fraudsters in comparison with other groups of offenders.
Design/methodology/approach
The investigation included imprisoned face-to-face fraudsters (n=11), imprisoned violent offenders (n=10) and non-offenders who had completed the Emotional Competence Questionnaire and the Sociomoral Reflection Measure.
Findings
Fraudsters displayed a significantly higher capacity to recognise emotions in others compared with the other two groups. In addition, there were no differences in socio-emotional skills between the groups. In terms of moral judgement ability, fraudsters and non-offenders demonstrated a level of a mature moral judgement. The moral judgement abilities of the violent offenders were significantly lower.
Practical implications
Therapeutic work with fraudsters should focus on the awareness and sense of responsibility for fellow human beings having regard to their specific self-image and justification schemes. For prevention, an adoption of a structural orientation of work processes, that is, geared more towards teamwork is recommended. Moreover, a positive impact of unethical management on the risk of fraud offenses is pointed out.
Originality/value
This paper follows an innovative methodological approach by examining the socio-emotional competencies and moral judgement abilities of convicted fraudsters and has implications for risk management both therapeutically and organisationally.
Keywords
Citation
Krokoszinski, L., Westenberger, A. and Hosser, D. (2018), "Social competencies and the sociomoral reflectiveness of imprisoned fraudsters", The Journal of Forensic Practice, Vol. 20 No. 4, pp. 279-288. https://doi.org/10.1108/JFP-05-2018-0017
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2018, Emerald Publishing Limited