Background of the Study
Employee fraud is one of the most damaging forms of fraud for SMEs, as it often involves internal actors who are familiar with the organization's systems and processes. In Enugu State, SMEs in sectors such as retail, manufacturing, and services face significant challenges related to employee theft, embezzlement, and other fraudulent activities that directly affect their financial performance (Okeke & Nwachukwu, 2023).
Employee fraud can lead to substantial financial losses, reduced profitability, and reputational damage for SMEs, making it crucial for businesses to adopt effective fraud prevention and detection measures. This study will explore the impact of employee fraud on the financial performance of SMEs in Enugu, examining how such fraudulent activities influence profitability, liquidity, and overall business health.
Statement of the Problem
Employee fraud remains a major threat to the financial stability of SMEs in Enugu, with many businesses unable to detect or prevent fraudulent activities in time. This study will investigate the financial implications of employee fraud on SMEs in Enugu and recommend measures to mitigate its effects.
Objectives of the Study
To examine the effect of employee fraud on the financial performance of SMEs in Enugu State.
To identify the types of employee fraud most prevalent among SMEs in Enugu.
To propose recommendations for mitigating the impact of employee fraud on financial performance.
Research Questions
How does employee fraud affect the financial performance of SMEs in Enugu State?
What types of employee fraud are most common among SMEs in Enugu?
What strategies can SMEs adopt to reduce the impact of employee fraud?
Research Hypotheses
H₀: Employee fraud does not significantly affect the financial performance of SMEs in Enugu State.
H₀: The types of employee fraud prevalent among SMEs do not significantly impact their financial performance.
H₀: Strategies to mitigate employee fraud do not significantly improve financial performance.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on SMEs in Enugu State that have experienced employee fraud. Limitations include the difficulty of measuring the full impact of employee fraud and the potential for underreporting fraud incidents.
Definitions of Terms
Employee Fraud: Fraudulent activities perpetrated by employees, including theft, embezzlement, or misrepresentation of financial data.
Financial Performance: The overall financial health of an SME, assessed through metrics such as profitability, liquidity, and return on investment.
Enugu State: A southeastern Nigerian state, home to numerous SMEs, particularly in manufacturing and retail sectors.
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