Theft in the Workplace
Instructions:
The great global recession has claimed many victims. In many countries, unemployment is at near-historic highs, and even those who have managed to keep their jobs have been asked to accept reduced work hours or pay cuts. In some cases—say, the US auto industry—job losses have been predictable but no less painful. However, in other cases, they have come as a surprise.
The financial and psychological pain caused by the recession may lead you to wonder whether employees attempt to get even. Is there evidence the recession has led to increased incidents of workplace violence, sabotage, or theft? Following the economic down-turn in 2008, nearly 400 employees were asked whether the recession had caused a recent rise in thefts of money among employees, 18 percent said yes, 41 percent said no, and 41 percent were unsure.
Put on your investigator hat, ask questions, analyze the situation, and consider the source!
Your discussion assignment this week requires you to locate an article on theft in the workplace attributed to economic recession and share with your class the important points that your article made. Based upon your reading and research, discuss how the following variables may affect an employee’s likelihood to steal from their company:
*Employee attitudes
*Employee satisfaction
*Employee personality
*Employee values
Lastly, discuss what you would do to lessen the likelihood of employee theft.
