Olaniyi, T.ASaad, TAbiola, W.OAdebayo, S.A2021-03-082021-03-082013Olaniyi, T.A., Saad, T, Abiola, W.O. & Adebayo, S.A. (2013): Employee motivation and public sector fraud: evidence from Kwara state, Nigeria. Journal of Humanities, Social Sciences and Creative Arts. 8; 13-24http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/4470This study examines the relationship between fraud and employee motivation in Kwara state public sector with a view to ascertain what will happen to fraud occurrence if good salary, allowances and perquisites, effective working hours, conducive environment, timely promotion are put in place. Multistage sampling technique was used in obtaining the primary data used from 870 respondents selected from 7 local governments in the state and were analyzed using Ordinary Least Square Regression and Friedman ANOVA test but interpreted using R2 adjusted R2, Durbin Watson statistics, F statistics and t statistics. The result show that employed motivational factors (salary, perquisites and regular promotion) can reduce fraud activities among the state employees; this is consonance with theoretical expectations (Douglas McGregor’s theory Y, Abraham Maslow’s needs theory and Fredric Herzberg’s two-factor theory). Contrarily, allowances, conducive environment and training show a positive relationship with fraud and this is at variance with a-priori expectations. The study recommends that government should improve the working conditions of its employees including the provision of improved training to motivate employees towards efficiency, commitment and inhibit fraud inclinations. If all these are put in place and erring officials are made to face the full wrath of the law without bias, the state economy in particular and Nigeria economy in general will be better for it.enemployeemotivationfraudpublic sectorArticle