NCJ Number
92293
Date Published
1983
Length
48 pages
Annotation
This comprehensive empirical examination into the prevalence and correlates of employee theft and other forms of counterproductive deviant behavior by employees within the work setting involved 16 retail department store chains, 21 general hospitals, and 10 electronic manufacturing firms located in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Cleveland, and Dallas-Ft. Worth over a 3-year period.
Abstract
A total of 9,175 employees responded to a mailed questionnaire. They anonymously provided data on personal and occupational characteristics, job satisfaction, perceptions of theft deterrents, and their personal involvement in a broad range of 'deviant' workplace activities, including the theft of company property. In each of the same organizations, interviews were conducted with 247 executives who provided information about management perspectives and practices regarding theft by employees within their respective organizations. Personal interviews were also conducted with 256 employees in 6 firms. In each of the three industry sectors surveyed, about one-third of the employees reported some involvement in the taking of company property during the prior year. Additionally, two-thirds of the sample reported counterproductive behavior such as long lunches and breaks, slow or sloppy workmanship, sick leave abuse, and the use of alcohol or drugs while at work. Highest levels of theft were reported by the younger, the unmarried, and male employees. The single most predictive factor of theft involvement was the employee's perception of getting caught -- the greater the perceived risks, the less the theft. Findings indicate that theft and counterproductive behavior can be minimized through a conspicuous and consistent climate of management control emanation from all relevant departments within the organization. Specific policy implications of the research findings are outlined in summary form. Figures, tables, and about 50 references are supplied. (Author abstract modified)