The Fraud theories: Triangle, Diamond, Pentagon

Early indications of fraud play an important role in detection and prevention. Murphy and Dacin (2011) state frauds mostly occur in three ways: error - lacking awareness, intuition supporting fraud - avoiding negative emotions or effects, and, awareness of fraud coupled with cost-benefit analysis. Hutchison (2013) comparing management fraud to human behaviour says fraud is intentional, multidimensional, and complex - the fallout of several interactive factors, analysis fraud through different abstracts - organisational systems, conflicts of interest, rational choice, social constructiveness, psychodynamic and developmental outlook. The proposed unrealistic goals rewarding attractive compensations purport indulgence in fraud. The desire for achievements, fear of losing the job, challenges meeting financial targets for bonuses, unhealthy competition and criminal collaborations are causes of financial fraud. Management fraud results from decision-making, influenced by personality traits, beliefs, attitudes, social customs, institutional rules and regulations, ethical values, and organisational culture. The paper aims to understand fraud and the theories related to fraud.