How to investigate alleged employee theft properly

Abstract

According to the American Institute of Criminology and Research, employee theft is responsible for over $50 billion worth of losses for both small and large businesses in the USA. Of this “shrinkage”, approximately 60 per cent is due to employee theft. Explains what kinds of activities constitute employee theft, and discusses the employee motivations, justifications and psychological drives, based on current social science thinking. Identifies the types of evidence ‐ documentary, physical, personal observations and testimonial ‐ and the techniques that can be used to gather this evidence and investigate the theft. Also discusses preventive measures in the form of revised employee reward systems and employee hot lines.

Citation

Tryon, G. and Kleiner, B.H. (1997), "How to investigate alleged employee theft properly", Work Study, Vol. 46 No. 1, pp. 5-8. https://doi.org/10.1108/00438029710155780