Managing Management During Investigations

By Shane G. Sturman CFI, CPP, and David E. Zulawski CFI, CFE, Wicklander-Zulawski & Associates, Inc.

Managing a business is a very personal experience which engenders many emotions conflicting with the investigation of workplace issues.  Being aware of the consequences of these emotions can help manage the pace and outcome of the inquiry.

One of the most difficult parts of any investigation is the management of senior executives.  The lead investigator must recognize the needs and desires of corporate management when working on any complex fraud or workplace investigation.  These needs and desires, no matter how well intended, may destroy or cripple an inquiry before it even begins.

The first decision to be made in any investigation is who should know an investigation is being contemplated or ongoing.  Reporting relationships within the organization may dictate who needs to be advised, but if the target of an investigation is a member of senior management the list may need to be supplemented or restricted.

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