Only about 21% of employees are basically honest and will
never steal. 13% are fundamentally dishonest and undoubtedly
attempt theft, and the remaining 66% are encouraged to steal if they see others
doing it without repercussion.
Amongst those surveyed were employees who admitted stealing
from their present or former employers, yet few of these employees, less than
5%, had a criminal record of any kind for a theft related offence. They were asked to explain the reasons behind their theft
and what made an otherwise loyal and honest individual feel the need to steal
when placed in a work environment.
For some questioned the reason for theft was pure greed, for
others it was vindictiveness, and surprisingly for only a small percentage it
was need.
These findings support RPS’s strategy which has always been
to identify and target the employees that will always steal in order to create
a real deterrent to persuade the majority to remain honest. It also highlights why a pro-active approach
is the only way to tackle the issue of workplace fraud.
* Source – Kessler Survey 1999, reproduced courtesy of
Michael G. Kessler & Associates, Ltd. – www.investigation.com.
