Looking through the fraud triangle: a review and call for new directions
Abstract
Purpose
This article aims to review popular frameworks used to examine fraud and earmarks three areas where there is considerable scope for academic research to guide and inform important debates within organisations and regulatory bodies.
Design/methodology/approach
The article reviews published fraud research in the fields of auditing and forensic accounting, focusing on the development of the dominant framework in accounting and fraud examination, the fraud triangle. From this review, specific avenues for future research are identified.
Findings
Three under-researched issues are identified: rationalisation of fraudulent behaviours by offenders; the nature of collusion in fraud; and regulatory attempts to promote whistle-blowing. These topics highlight the perspective of those directly involved in fraud and draw together issues that have interested researchers in other disciplines for decades with matters that are at the heart of contemporary financial management across the globe.
Originality/value
In spite of the profound economic and reputational impact of fraud, the research in accounting remains fragmented and emergent. This review identifies avenues offering scope to bridge the divide between academia and practice.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Financial support provided by the Australian research council is gratefully acknowledged.
Citation
Free, C. (2015), "Looking through the fraud triangle: a review and call for new directions", Meditari Accountancy Research, Vol. 23 No. 2, pp. 175-196. https://doi.org/10.1108/MEDAR-02-2015-0009
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2015, Emerald Group Publishing Limited