Enron-The Smartest Guys In The Room

- a person oblivious of the pattern though engaged in it, and thoroughly stunned an unprepared to be caught and “treated” like a criminal””. (p.113).

Risk Analysis Theory

After reviewing the film Enron - The Smartest Guys in the Room, apply the risk analysis theory by identifying the characters in the film that fall into each of the theory categories, that is, the "risk averters," "risk neutrals," and "risk seekers."

1. Do the white-collar criminals as portrayed in the film consistently display the personality traits of risk seekers?

With risk seekers in white-collar crimes, I believe the executives fit the personality traits. As mentioned in our lecture notes the Yale Studies conducted by Wheeler found it hard to believe that people with strong family ties and who were also successful in many categories would take such risk that would put their status in jeopardy. Nevertheless, although the executives in the film may have looked to the public eye as successful businesspersons they each had their vices. Pai with his love with strippers, Skilling with his retreats consisting of skydiving and motocross, and Fastow with his love for money. When you think of an average risk taker, you may not first think of white-collar criminals,

However, it may take some losses in order to see the wrong in their behavior and push them to change their personality and alter their behaviors. This could be a financial loss, an injury, death in the family, etc. This would take conscious effort though, once utilities are presented and no harm has come from it changing their mindset can be difficult. Especially when it comes to finances if it is necessary to get by. The film showed no example of this, all of the known risk seekers showed no remorse for their crimes, or changed their actions to make the company ethical again. In many cases some of the top executives jumped ship once they knew the company was sinking in order to save themselves