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Article
Publication date: 2 July 2018

Theresa Hilliard and Presha E. Neidermeyer

Changing workplace demographics reflect a rising number of women in the traditionally male-dominated field of business. The purpose of this study is to investigate how upwardly…

Abstract

Purpose

Changing workplace demographics reflect a rising number of women in the traditionally male-dominated field of business. The purpose of this study is to investigate how upwardly mobile women may impact the commission and type of white-collar crime, contributing to the scarce literature on gender distinctions in criminal behavior while comparing criminal trends globally. Women’s increased representation in positions of power in business provides them with increased fraud opportunities prompting the authors to ask: in their areas of opportunity, do women and men commit the same types of white-collar crime and at the same rates, and how does this phenomena vary globally?

Design/methodology/approach

Using a database from the Institute for Fraud Prevention, 5,441 fraud cases are examined from 93 nations for the annual periods from 2002 until 2011. Ordinal logistic regression methods are used to test for differences in gendered criminal behavior by fraud offense type controlling for age, position, education, compensation level and country context.

Findings

Internationally, results from the study indicate that female fraudsters are three times more likely than male fraudsters to commission crimes of asset misappropriation in the workplace. Upon further investigation, stratifying the data by geographical region, findings from the study demonstrate that female fraudsters are more likely than male fraudsters to commit asset misappropriation in the following geographical regions: Africa (three times as likely), Asia (twice as likely), Canada (three times as likely), China (five times as likely), Europe (twice as likely), the Middle East (four times as likely), Oceania (four times as likely), the United Kingdom (eight times as likely) and the United States of America (twice as likely).

Originality/value

Evidence from this study should be of importance to multinational enterprises, auditors and fraud examiners, as asset misappropriation constitutes 87 per cent of all fraud cases globally. Further, these findings prompt the need for researchers to develop this area of research.

Details

Journal of Financial Crime, vol. 25 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1359-0790

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 August 2019

Ni Wayan Rustiarini, Sutrisno T., Nurkholis Nurkholis and Wuryan Andayani

This paper aims to discuss the factors that cause individuals to commit fraud, especially in the public procurement context. All this time, an empirical review of public…

3243

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss the factors that cause individuals to commit fraud, especially in the public procurement context. All this time, an empirical review of public procurement fraud has only focused on the macro and micro level, as well as its losses on the country's economy. This paper highlights individuals’ fraudulent behavior from the four elements of the fraud diamond theory, namely, pressure, opportunity, rationalization and capability.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a literature review that discusses the fraudulent behavior of bureaucrat as a procurement official in the context of public procurement. This review uses fraud diamond theory as its theoretical framework to explain the attributes to do fraud.

Findings

Public procurement is a high-risk area for fraud (corruption), particularly in the government institution. It cannot be denied that the situation factor (pressure and opportunity) will interact with psychological aspects (rationalization) and individual capability to direct the individuals to commit fraud. This study discusses how existing pressure (motivation) and opportunities are used by individuals who have the capability to rationalize their actions. This literature review also endeavors to shed light on the strategy to prevent, detect and control the causes of fraud.

Practical implications

This paper provides an understanding of regulators, auditors and other employees in recognizing the characteristics and nature of fraud antecedents. This understanding can help prevent various forms of procurement fraud that occur within their organizations. This paper also can be a guideline to assist public sector organizations in designing effective internal control systems to prevent fraud in the process and practice of public procurement.

Social implications

Public procurement has a central role that enables the government to allocate the budget effectively and efficiently. Compliance in implementing procurement rules and procedures will improve the quality of public services.

Originality/value

There exists relatively little study outlining the factors underlying of bureaucrats’ (procurement official) opportunistic behavior on procurement activities. The authors focused on bureaucrats’ behavior because they have unique positions of power and responsibility of the procurement process. On the one hand, they have a crucial role in serving the public and safeguarding public assets. On the other hand, they have the ability to collaborate with politicians and business actors in corrupt procurement practices. Therefore, the discussion on this topic is very relevant and interesting.

Details

Journal of Public Procurement, vol. 19 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1535-0118

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 July 2021

Godfred Matthew Yaw Owusu, Theodora Aba Abekah Koomson, Stanley Agbenya Alipoe and Yusuf Ahmed Kani

This paper aims to investigate the views of employees on the motives behind frequently reported fraudulent activities at the workplace. Using the fraud triangle theory (FTT) as…

1692

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the views of employees on the motives behind frequently reported fraudulent activities at the workplace. Using the fraud triangle theory (FTT) as the theoretical lens, the study examines the effect of pressure, opportunity and rationalization on fraudulent acts by employees at the workplace.

Design/methodology/approach

The study follows a correlational quantitative approach using questionnaires as the main data collection tool. A total of 243 valid responses from employees working in different state-owned enterprises in Ghana were used in the empirical analysis. The hypothesized relationships of the study were tested using the partial least square-structural equation modelling technique.

Findings

The results from the structural analysis showed that pressure, rationalization and opportunity are important in explaining why employees engage in fraudulent activities at the workplace.

Originality/value

The findings do not only provide empirical support for the applicability of the FTT in the Ghanaian context but most importantly offer some useful insights into the fraud discourse from the public sector workers’ perspective.

Details

Journal of Money Laundering Control, vol. 25 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1368-5201

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 April 2014

Matthew Hollow

– The purpose of this paper is to look in more depth at what motivates bank managers and bank employees to commit fraudulent offences at work.

3107

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to look in more depth at what motivates bank managers and bank employees to commit fraudulent offences at work.

Design/methodology/approach

This exploratory study adopts both quantitative and qualitative methods to better comprehend what motivates bank managers and employees to commit fraud at work. Evidence is taken from a sample of 64 cases of fraud from the UK financial sector. The sample cases were then subdivided in relation to the occupational status of the offender and classified based on the motives of the offender.

Findings

The research findings from this study indicate that, as with other sorts of white-collar crimes, financial pressures play a hugely significant role in motivating bank employees and managers to commit fraudulent offences at work. However, the nature of these financial pressures appears to differ significantly depending on what role the offender occupies within the bank. Thus, for cashiers and those in lower positions, personal pressures generally act as the motive, whereas for more senior management offenders, personal financial considerations tend to come second to those of the organisation as a whole.

Research limitations/implications

The preliminary findings from this paper emphasises that there is a need for more research to be conducted on occupational fraud in the financial sector as to better understand what motivates insiders in the banking profession to commit financial fraud and other criminal offences.

Practical implications

This paper will help accountants and financial regulators to better understand what motivates those in the financial sector to commit fraudulent offences at work. This, in turn, will enable them to better assess fraud risks and establish improved preventive and detective measures.

Originality/value

The paper fills a gap in the fraud literature by providing an in-depth study that focuses exclusively on what motivates those inside the financial sector to commit fraudulent offences at work.

Details

Journal of Financial Crime, vol. 21 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1359-0790

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 January 2020

Hanrin Damas Triantoro, Intiyas Utami and Corina Joseph

The objective of this study is: 1) to examine the effect of whistleblowing system and fraud intention, 2) the impact of Machiavellianism personality and fraud intention, 3) the…

1726

Abstract

Purpose

The objective of this study is: 1) to examine the effect of whistleblowing system and fraud intention, 2) the impact of Machiavellianism personality and fraud intention, 3) the interaction effect between whistleblowing system, Machiavellianism personality and fraud intention.

Design/methodology/approach

This study carried out a 2 × 2 between-subjects true experimental research design, using the Web-based tool. The subjects were 75 accounting undergraduate students from seven universities in Indonesia who were enrolled for auditing courses.

Findings

This study shows that fraud intention increases with the absence of a whistleblowing system. This research also shows that higher Machiavellianism increases individual fraud intention.

Research limitations/implications

The poor internet connection contributes to obstruction in accessing the experimental website. Few participants were required to repeat the completion of the experimental module.

Practical implications

This study contributes to developing the whistleblowing system to mitigate fraud intention in organizations considering the personality trait of the individual.

Social implications

This study suggests the importance of a better understanding of fraud mechanisms to enhance the awareness of the whistleblowing system.

Originality/value

This study uses the whistleblowing system as a proxy for an opportunity in the fraud triangle concept. There is limited empirical research conducted on examining the whistleblowing system to fraud intention and the interaction of Machiavellian personality and whistleblowing system to fraud intention.

Details

Journal of Financial Crime, vol. 27 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1359-0790

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 August 2021

Polydoros Demetriades and Samuel Owusu-Agyei

The purpose of this paper is to examine Toshiba’s fraudulent financial reporting in relation to the fraud diamond (pressure, opportunity, rationalisation and capability).

3172

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine Toshiba’s fraudulent financial reporting in relation to the fraud diamond (pressure, opportunity, rationalisation and capability).

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative empirical research, analysing secondary data from Toshiba’s published annual reports before restatement, from 2008–2014 has been used. A simultaneous equations approach was used to test the hypothesis. Excel software was used to analyse secondary data and to carry out correlation analysis and descriptive statistics analysis.

Findings

This study uncovers evidence that pressure proxied by return on assets (ROA), the opportunity proxied by ineffective monitoring (BDOUT), rationalisation proxied by audit opinion (AO) and capability proxied by board member changes (BCHANGE) had moderate to strong relationship to financial statement fraud (FSF) (proxied by Beneish M-score model). However, ROA has a negative and significant effect on Toshiba’s FSF. BDOUT, AO and BCHANGE have positive and significant effect on Toshiba’s FSF. Furthermore, there is no multicollinearity problem within the four variables. Overall, this study has statistically proven that all dimensions of fraud diamond are required for the explanation of Toshiba’s accounting scandal.

Originality/value

Although a few studies discuss the four dimensions (fraud diamond), none, to our surprise, exists which explain the circumstances led Toshiba’s high-level executives to commit fraud. This study is the first thorough investigation of Toshiba’s accounting scandal that uses all four dimensions to explain Toshiba’s FSF.

Details

Journal of Financial Crime, vol. 29 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1359-0790

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 June 2022

Widya Ais Sahla and Ardianto Ardianto

This study aims to examine the fraud tendency on the perception of external auditors triggered by five components of the fraud pentagon: pressure (P), opportunity (O)…

1935

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine the fraud tendency on the perception of external auditors triggered by five components of the fraud pentagon: pressure (P), opportunity (O), rationalization (R), competence (C) and arrogance (A). In addition, ethical values (EV) are placed as a moderating variable for this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a quantitative study with a survey to external auditors around Indonesia. A moderation model for a research framework was developed to investigate the moderating role of ethical values.

Findings

The findings have shown that the five components of the fraud pentagon theory are not fully proven as triggers of fraud in the perception of external auditors. Only C and A have a significant value in influencing the perception of fraud tendency (PFT). Other findings also provide evidence that EV moderate the relationship between C and A to PFT. This shows that EV can be used as an anti-fraud strategy in the external auditor environment.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper is one of the first study that examines the fraud pentagon theory in the field of behavioral accounting. In addition, this paper contributes to the integration of ethical values as an anti-fraud strategy in the external auditor environment.

Details

Journal of Financial Crime, vol. 30 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1359-0790

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 May 2018

Rabiu Abdullahi and Noorhayati Mansor

Detecting and preventing fraud are challenging and risky tasks, especially in a fast developing economy such as Nigeria. The efforts become crucial in the government sectors, as…

2977

Abstract

Purpose

Detecting and preventing fraud are challenging and risky tasks, especially in a fast developing economy such as Nigeria. The efforts become crucial in the government sectors, as they involve public’s trust and resources. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationships between the fraud incidence and the elements of fraud triangle theory (FTT) with the aim of combating current fraud outrages in the Nigerian public sector.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted and 302 questionnaires were distributed to the staff of the departments of accounting, internal auditing and investigation of ten selected ministries, departments and agencies of Kano State, Nigeria. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to analyze the data.

Findings

The study reveals a significant relationship between three elements of FTT and fraud incidences in the Nigerian public sectors (p-value < 0.001 for pressure and opportunity and p-value = 0.024 for rationalization).

Practical implications

The findings of the study are useful for forensic accountants and the Nigerian anti-graft bodies to enhance existing control mechanisms in fraud prevention initiatives. The research also contributes to bridge the gap in academic theory and empirical study related to FTT.

Social implications

Fraud scandals can cause public’s frustration, damage the reputation and integrity of the ruling government and result in negative image of the public sector.

Originality/value

Accordingly, the study suggests a salary scale reform (SSR) in the Nigerian public sector and improvement in fringe benefits to increase employees’ standard of living. The study concludes with recommendations to enhance fraud awareness and training programs to the government employees.

Details

Journal of Financial Crime, vol. 25 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1359-0790

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 July 2014

Hendi Yogi Prabowo

The purpose of this paper, which is based on author’s study, is to shed light on the behavioral elements of corruption in particular the decision-making process undertaken by…

3711

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper, which is based on author’s study, is to shed light on the behavioral elements of corruption in particular the decision-making process undertaken by potential offenders to construct a solid basis for effective corruption eradication strategy in Indonesia.

Design/methodology/approach

This study examines corruption cases in Indonesia in the past two years which have been investigated by the Indonesian Corruption Eradication Commission as well as relevant literature on corruption to gain a better understanding of corruption offenders’ behavior.

Findings

The author establishes that by looking at the behavioral side of corruption we may gain more understanding on potential offenders’ way of thinking as a reference in dealing with corruption. The discussions in this paper suggest that when potential offenders are exposed to pressure/motivation, opportunity and rationalization to commit corruption, they will (consciously or subconsciously) assess all the perceived benefits and costs before deciding to commit (or not to commit) corruption. Understanding the mechanics by which potential offenders decide to engage (or not to engage) in corruption will provide government and decision makers with a solid basis for formulating an effective corruption eradication strategy.

Research limitations/implications

This study utilizes only secondary data sources to build its analysis on the perceived benefits and costs of engaging in corrupt practices. For future studies, primary sources, such as incarcerated corruption offenders, will offer a more accurate view of the actual decision-making process behind corrupt practices.

Practical implications

This paper contributes to the development of effective corruption eradication strategy in Indonesia by introducing the fraud decision scale as a framework by which appropriate measures will be devised so as to yield the intended results.

Originality/value

Instead of taking the more popular legal or political standpoint, this paper takes an unconventional view of assessing corruption problem from the behavioral perspective.

Details

Journal of Money Laundering Control, vol. 17 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1368-5201

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 July 2018

Anuar Nawawi and Ahmad Saiful Azlin Puteh Salin

The purpose of this study is to investigate the weaknesses of internal control in expenditure claim procedure and to identify the opinions of employees regarding an occupational…

2796

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the weaknesses of internal control in expenditure claim procedure and to identify the opinions of employees regarding an occupational fraud. This study also attempts to examine the most popular occupational fraud committed by the employee and whether a company’s working environment contributed to the fraud.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study approach was adopted to investigate and analyse the weaknesses of the internal control and occupational fraud incidents. A mixed method of data collection, specifically, survey questionnaire and document analysis were used.

Findings

This study found that the internal control of the expenditure claim procedure was weak and needed improvement. This study also found that a strong internal control and a better remuneration paid to the employees could reduce the risk of the occupational fraud committed in the company. In terms of fraud types, this study discovered that claims on mileage, followed by petrol, accommodation and suppliers’ invoice were the most popular occupational frauds committed by the employees. Finally, employee dissatisfaction and poor working-environment culture influence occupational fraud’s level in the organizations.

Research limitations/implications

The results provide further confirmation of the fraud triangle theory on the causes of fraud, i.e. opportunity because of a weak internal control and financial pressure because of low and non-standardized salary. This study, however, was conducted only on one company.

Practical implications

This study provides some recommendations to overcome the weak internal control and improve employees’ satisfaction which lead to better working environment. Thus, opportunities for fraud in the company can be reduced.

Originality/value

This study is original, as it focusses specifically on occupational fraud which is rare in fraud literature, particularly for a study that is conducted in developing markets like Malaysia. It also has examined various related sensitive documents and reports of employee frauds that are generally difficult to be accessed by researchers.

Details

Journal of Financial Crime, vol. 25 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1359-0790

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 5000