NCJ Number
159633
Date Published
1995
Length
24 pages
Annotation
Although anomie theory has been criticized, much of the criticism has inspired researchers to explore alternative interpretations and applications of Merton's original model; the anomie perspective provides a compelling framework for understanding the link between social context, psychological response, and individual behavior, especially in the context of business ethics.
Abstract
Exploring the interaction between the individual and the social environment holds promise for organizational intervention, business education, policy development, and criminological research. Theoretical models of this interaction can provide useful guidance in creating a more ethical work climate by identifying specific areas of organizational culture to be targeted for development or change. Further, such models can be used effectively by business educators and policymakers to manage organizational processes in a way that facilitates ethical business practices and deters criminal activities. The fact that anomie theory is being re-examined by criminologists reflects an ideological departure from individualism and a movement toward more collective concerns. The renewed interest in exploring systematic influences on behavior may also be attributed to the impact of organizational theory and research on disciplines outside the management field. Recent developments in corporate law integrate an analysis of organizational culture into the determination of criminal culpability and subsequent penalties for corporate crimes. In the field of business ethics, both researchers and practitioners are moving beyond investigating individual character to study the effects of organizational factors on moral conduct in the workplace. By focusing on systemic antecedents of behavior, anomie theory acknowledges the critical dimension of social reality. 95 references and 1 figure