Date of Conferral

2021

Degree

Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.)

School

Business Administration

Advisor

Theresa Neal

Abstract

Unethical financial reporting can negatively impact the sustainability of a business organization. Small business owners who struggle to promote ethical financial reporting are at high risk of failure. Grounded in the fraud diamond theory, the purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore strategies small business owners use to enhance ethical financial reporting. The participants comprised four small business owners in Massachusetts who effectively used strategies to enhance ethical financial reporting. Data were collected from semistructured interviews, company documents, and casual observation. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Five themes emerged: ethical behavior, internal control and communication, monitoring, segregation of duties, and action against fraudsters. A key recommendation is for small business owners to augment sound antifraud measures over financial fraud, thereby allowing small business owners to function effectively and efficiently. The implications for positive social change include the potential to increase employment opportunities that positively affect other small businesses and allow local communities to thrive and create economic contributions to the U.S. economy.

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