Small Business Owners' Perceptions of Moral Behaviour and Employee Theft in the Small Business Sector of Nigeria

Abstract

African countries are prone to major ethical problems which have led to poor economic growth; this can be seen in the Nigerian business environment and economy. Small business enterprises (SME's) are essential for the growth of the economy in any country. One of the biggest threats to any SME is employee theft which results in up to 30 per cent of small business failures. This research study aims to determine the moral behaviour in the business sector, as well as the phenomenon of employee theft among small business in Nigeria. Quantitative research was used to conduct the study and the data collection method used was a survey questionnaire. The study revealed that there are various individual issues that make up a person's moral behaviour. It also revealed that the concern for theft in the workplace and the impact that theft has on the business does not influence moral behaviour.