"Business Management Strategies to Address Retail Theft" by Mattie Sena Barcon

Date of Conferral

1-29-2025

Degree

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

School

Business Administration

Advisor

Patsy Kasen

Abstract

Theft and fraud in the retail sector contribute to significant financial losses, operational disruptions, and reduced employee morale. Retail leaders are particularly concerned about these deviant behaviors, as they threaten profitability, business sustainability, and long-term workforce stability. Grounded in the retaillance conceptual framework, the purpose of this qualitative pragmatic inquiry was to explore strategies leaders used to mitigate shoplifting and fraud. The participants were six retail loss prevention professionals who had successfully mitigated retail crime. Data sources consisted of semistructured interviews and public records. Through thematic analysis, four themes were identified: (a) team dynamics, (b) organizational training and policies, (c) economic influence, and (d) technology benefits. A key recommendation is that the training for loss prevention professionals and other store employees be highly effective for successful outcomes to prevent theft. The implications of positive social change include the potential for retail business leaders to enhance business sustainability by fostering workforce retention and promoting community growth through economic contributions such as retail sales taxes.

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