Strategies for Preventing Financial Fraud in Church Organizations in Ghana

Strategies for Preventing Financial Fraud in Church Organizations in Ghana by Albert Rockson MSc, UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education, 1998 BSc, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, 1986 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University June 2019 Abstract Financial fraud in church organizations is increasing rapidly, which can affect the reputation, donation appeal, future funding, and ability of church organizations to meet their planned organizational goals. The purpose of this multiple case study was to explore strategies for preventing financial fraud in church organizations. The conceptual framework for the study was Cressey’s fraud triangle theory. Twenty participants whoFinancial fraud in church organizations is increasing rapidly, which can affect the reputation, donation appeal, future funding, and ability of church organizations to meet their planned organizational goals. The purpose of this multiple case study was to explore strategies for preventing financial fraud in church organizations. The conceptual framework for the study was Cressey’s fraud triangle theory. Twenty participants who utilize strategies for preventing financial fraud in their organizations were purposively selected from 5 church organizations in Ghana. Data were collected through semistructured interviews and analysis of organizational financial policy documents. Interview data were transcribed, coded, and analyzed with Saldaña’s coding guidelines. Data analysis followed recommendations from Yin, including examining the data, grouping data into categories, regrouping data in themes, interpreting the data, and producing empirically based findings that answered the central research question of the study. Three significant themes emerged from the data analysis: effective administration, good stewardship and accountability, and caliber of employees. Implementation of the findings may lead to positive social change by enhancing the donation appeal of church organizations, improving their finances, and enabling them to optimize their operations to benefit individuals, families, communities, and society. Strategies for Preventing Financial Fraud in Church Organizations in Ghana by Albert Rockson MSc, UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education, 1998 BSc, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, 1986 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University June 2019 Dedication I dedicate this study with its findings to my beloved wife, Charlotte, our handsome son, Albert, and beautiful daughter, Arabella, for their spiritual, emotional, moral, and financial support, love, and understanding during the whole period of the study. Through it all, with the ups and downs, frustrations and low moments, they stood by me and encouraged me to keep my focus on the finish line. I dedicate the study also to the cherished memory of my late father and mother, who passed on to eternity in the course of the study, for their encouragement and show of commitment to my general well-being as their only begotten son in whom they were well pleased. This dedication also goes to my wonderful siblings Lynda, Nana Ekua, and Felicia for their show of brotherly love toward me especially during our bereavement and period of sorrow when we lost both parents in the course of this study. Above all, to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ be all the glory, honor and thanksgiving for His grace, goodness, mercies, favor, strength, wisdom, and insight that enabled me to begin and to finish this study. Acknowledgments I wish to acknowledge the diverse contributions, guidance, and support I received from faculty, fellow participants, academic advising, family and friends. My appreciation goes to Dr. Freda Turner (retired DBA program director), Dr. Al Endres (associate lead methodologist), Dr. Romuel Nafarrete (committee chairperson), Dr. Garth Daniels (second committee member), Dr. Richard Snyder (university research reviewer), and Dr. Carol-Anne Faint (second committee member) for their respective roles in getting me on track with the course requirements. I make special mention of Dr. Romuel Nafarrete for playing the critical role of a mentor very well. I thank all my fellow participants in the various courses throughout the semesters and academic years from beginning to completion for their very useful discussions, peer reviews, and suggestions. I commend the staff in academic advising for their help during the course. I am indebted to the leadership, gatekeepers, and participants in all the study organizations for their invaluable information and contribution to the success of this study. I thank all my pastor friends and colleagues who encouraged me and supported me with prayers. I am grateful to Lawyer Shadrach Arhin and Mr. Joseph Okyere (Antarctic Ltd.) for contributing their widow’s mite. Above all, I thank the Almighty God for helping me to successfully complete this study. May He bless everyone who contributed in diverse ways to making this study a great success.