What is Pearce and Tombs' definition of corporate crime?

Pearce and Tombs define corporate crime as an illegal act that results from deliberate decisions made by a legitimate business to benefit itself. This definition emphasizes the intentionality behind corporate wrongdoing, highlighting that these crimes are not merely accidents or incidental; rather, they are the result of calculated decisions that prioritize profit over ethics and lawful conduct.

Corporate crime often involves activities like fraud, embezzlement, and violation of safety regulations, which can harm employees, consumers, and the environment while allowing corporations to reap financial benefits. This perspective is crucial for understanding the broader implications of corporate actions, as it suggests that businesses can engage in illegal behavior without the same level of scrutiny or punishment faced by individual offenders.

In contrast, the other definitions provided in the choices do not capture the essence of corporate crime as articulated by Pearce and Tombs. The focus on workforce harm or state acts against individuals misses the critical aspect of intent and benefit to the business. Additionally, limiting the definition to workplace violence fails to encompass the wide range of illegal activities that corporations might engage in for profit. Thus, the selected answer accurately represents the scope and motivation behind corporate crime as outlined by the authors.