Content analysis of press releases from the Norwegian serious fraud office: What do the messages say about focal concerns?

Abstract

Purpose This article reviews 69 press releases published by the Norwegian Økokrim from June 2022 to November 2023. The presented research applies the theory of focal concerns to identify the main themes in the press releases.

Design/methodology/approach Serious fraud offices such as the Norwegian national authority for investigation and prosecution of economic and environmental crime (Økokrim) are facing many challenges when combating white-collar and corporate crime. Press releases represent an element of facing such challenges, as the messages are an important vehicle for the organization to disclose organizational activities to the public.

Findings Three themes emerged: offender conviction, impression management and crime deterrence. Offender prosecution followed by offender conviction is at the core of Økokrim's business. Impression management serves the purpose of emphasizing the important role of the national authority in society. The subjective perception of detection and prosecution by potential offenders can be influenced by crime deterrence messages.

Research limitations/implications Press releases are signals that may be interpreted in other ways.

Practical implications When politicians are to review national authorities, they may want a slightly different serious fraud office.

Social implications The deterrence effect is often not real for alleged white-collar crime.

Originality/value Understanding a national authority in terms of its focal concerns based on press releases from the authority.