Small Retail Business Strategies Used to Prevent Employee Fraud in North Carolina

Abstract

Fraud could result in adverse business outcomes for small business owners. Small business owners are concerned with preventing fraud to increase the financial stability of small businesses. Grounded in the fraud triangle theory, the purpose of this qualitative multiple-case study was to explore strategies small business owners use to prevent and detect fraud in their businesses. Participants included five small business owners in North Carolina who successfully implemented strategies to prevent and detect fraud. Data were collected using semistructured interviews and a review of company documents. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis, which yielded four themes: monitoring, contractual agreements, contractual disputes, and revisions. A key recommendation for small business owners is to periodically review and update monitoring controls to ensure the proper checks and balances are in place to prevent and detect fraud. The implications for positive social change include the potential financial stability of the small business and the local community

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