What concept did Geis (1967) use to describe how individuals become involved in illegal practices within companies?

Geis used the concept of differential association to explain how individuals become involved in illegal practices within companies. This theory, originally developed by Edwin Sutherland, posits that criminal behavior is learned through interactions with others. In the context of corporate environments, individuals are exposed to the values, attitudes, and behaviors of their peers and superiors, which may normalize illegal practices. If employees frequently associate with colleagues who commit unethical or illegal acts, they are more likely to adopt similar attitudes and behaviors, leading to engagement in such practices themselves. This highlights the significance of social relationships and the learning process in understanding crime in a corporate setting.