lar sized firms, while more frequently the problems identified are relevant to all similar sized hotel firms. Few of the problerms identified in this study are applicable only to the medium sized hotel firm that commissioned this study.
The criminal activity associated with the use of computers is a multifaceted problem. First, the technology involved is so esoteric to many people and organizations that it is difficult for them to recognize a computer related crime when it occurs. This finding is especially relevant to the hotel firm for which this study was conducted. Second, many organizations are reluctant to report such crimes, for fear that they will become a target of other computer criminals against which they frequently feel that they have few defenses. Third, many, perhaps most, organizations do not know how to proceed with the establishment of effective computer security systems. Fourth, much of the technical hardware and software required for adequate computer security systems either is too complex or is priced too high for many organizations. This finding is especially relevant to the hotel firm for which this study was conducted. Fifth, computer technology and techniques change so rapidly that an adequate security system today is an inadequate one tomorrow.
The loss of property (both physical and financial in nature) through theft is a major problem confronted by management. This findings is especially relevant for the hotel industry. The perpetrators of this illegal activity are found among the employees of the organizations, the customers of the organizations, and persons not directly associated with the organizations. This findings is especially relevant for the hotel industry.
It is a definite mistake to assume that white collar crime or white collar criminals are unitary in character. Both come in many forms. White collar crime varies from odometer tampering on used automobiles to political corrup...