Is fraud the result of a single rogue actor (the “bad apple”) or is it the natural consequence of system failures and poor oversight? Or is it the result of a complex matrix of different drivers?
In this thought-provoking article (open access) the author reviews and considers how the “bad apple” vs “bad barrel” vs “rotten orchard” mindset that is used in the financial fraud literature could be applied to the food industry. (i.e. considering the individual fraudster, the mendacious organisation the fraudster works within, and the stressed, dysfunctional or corrupt system). She recommends a systematic assessment of all three viewpoints in order to mitigate fraud risk. Too often, the food industry only considers the “bad apple” perspective.
Comments