Accountability

[traveldiva]

Data shows that a large percentage of retail theft can be attributed to employees. There are many "reasons" for this stealing. In terms of right and wrong the excuses are not relevant. However, it is may be appropriate to review the reasons, since they shape employee behavior. I am referring to: low salaries, little or no training, no incentives, no opportunities for growth - the dead-end of entrance-level retail employment The employees are practicing what is termed "equity theory." "By taking something of value from my employer I am making the situation more equitable."

What do you think?

[Bill Warnock]

Traveldiva:
The old saw still rings true. "Customers will steal your profits, employees will steal your business."
Enjoy the day,
Bill

[astorms]

It all begins with good hiring practices. Interviewing and screening is a big first step. Ask the questions others might be afraid of asking in regards to theft. Has the candidate ever stolen before? Would they ever be tempted to? What would they do if they saw another employee stealing? Of course, the candidate can feed you all the right answers, but this is where good interviewing techniques come in handy. Is what their body telling you different from what their mouth is saying?

You cannot stop ALL employees from stealing. In addition, there are so many forms of employee theft. Time theft, fraud, unauthorized use of discounts, etc. You need to get to know your people, understand them, befriend them. When you get to know them, you can hopefully stop or eliminate the problem before it starts or gets out of hand.

As always, pay attention to that feeling in the back of your neck. If something doesn't seem right, it usually isn't!

[Mr. Security]

Many people who normally will not steal may do so if the opportunity presents itself. Thus the looting that takes place when a disaster occurs. Good morals are the best protection against the temptation to steal because such individuals will not steal even if no one is watching. How can you tell if an employee might steal? Do they/have they lied on the application? Do they report their time honestly on a time card without a time clock? Do they ask for permission before taking small items, even if it's in a scrap bin? Do they convey a 'someone owes me' attitude?

There isn't a foolproof way to identify potential thieves. However, hidden CCTV cameras can "weed out" the problem employee. :)

[AASC Colorado]

Most people have the capacity to be a thief. The trick is, psychologically they don?t want to be there. Thieves steal once they have an excuse to create conscience legitimacy to the act. Many HR studies indicate the greatest threat isn?t so much low wages as much as insignificance. Employees recognized for their quality of work and who take a certain, ?ownership? in their job are less likely to steal.

Top excuses used by thieves: Can?t afford to live on pay, mad at employer, thought he could get away with it, everybody does it, earned or deserved it.

[Bill Warnock]

Were it not for a moral code, all of us would be thieves. It is a weakness of human nature.
One of the neat things taught in Police Academies is the study in human nature.
Enjoy the day,
Bill

[Mr. Security]

Top excuses used by thieves: Can?t afford to live on pay, mad at employer, thought he could get away with it, everybody does it, earned or deserved it.

Add one more: "They'll never miss it." :rolleyes:

[Mr. Security]

Were it not for a moral code, all of us would be thieves. It is a weakness of human nature.
One of the neat things taught in Police Academies is the study in human nature.
Enjoy the day,
Bill

Without getting into religion "conscience" is the best tool for combating wrongdoing. Even isolated populations who have not been taught a moral code often condemn the very misconduct that lawmaking societies condemn.

Unfortunately, if the conscience were like "Jiminy-the-cricket," there would be a lot of dead crickets lying around. :eek: :D