Is it suitable for your local governments? A contingency theory-based analysis on the use of internal control in thwarting white-collar crime

Purpose The purpose of this study is to extend existing theory by developing a contingency theory for the public sector and to provide a landscape for local government to deal with white-collar crime. In recent years, the theme of risk management and internal controls, which is popular in the industry and private sector, has been mirrored by public sector organisations. Of course, it is to improve fraud risk control systems. We have to accept that public sector organisations have a growing need to control the (fraud) risks in a rapidly changing economic environment. Within this situation an effective internal control is becoming strategically important in many organisations, as it is proving to be a cost-efficient way to manage these risks in everyday operations. Here, the authors conducted a case study on the risk management control system at an Indonesian local government. Design/methodology/approach This study uses mixed methods, integrating quantitative and qualitative data – in-depth interviews and questionnaires were required to address the social phenomenon being investigated. Findings This study found that the structure of the control system fits a generic model, in which control systems are fundamental factors to all departments. It shows that control systems can support managers to align employee capabilities, activities and performance with the organisation’s goals and missions. In addition, the authors could identify, risk assessment and monitoring activities are effective measures of controlling organisation’s activities, and potentially could diagnose potential (fraud) risks, deterring to the achievement of organisational aims. Ideally, those aspects should be performed on a continuous basis if organisations want to prevent the spread of numerous potential menaces. In other words, if an organisation fails to carry out risk assessment correctly, it will result in unidentified possibility of fraud risks. The more explicit the risk assessment, the more effective the detection of fraud. Practical implications It can be alternative to consider Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission’s internal control as fraud mitigation in local government. Originality/value This study offers new directive discussion about internal controls as notion of fraud mitigation.