A meta-analysis of the validity of the employee attitude inventory theft scales

This article summarizes the criterion-related and construct validity evidence for theEmployee Attitude Inventory (EAI) theft scales. These paper-and-pencil measures were designed to help employers gain information about theft among current employees. It is argued that the validity of the theft scales is dependent on the proportion of dishonest employees in the group being screened. Using meta-analysis techniques, the theft scales were shown to have useful levels of validity regardless of the proportion of dishonest employees in the population being screened. Also, the validity coefficients were relatively invariant across organizations and occupations. Thus the available evidence supports the use of the EAI as an effective tool for identifying dishonest employees. However, given that the present analyses are based on a relatively small set of data, the authors' conclusions should be regarded as preliminary. These analyses should be repeated as additional validity data becomes available.The opinions expressed in the report are those of the authors, and do not necessarily represent those of any organizations with which the authors are associated.