Impact of organizational fraud on financial management in small and medium sized enterprises in the Ecuadorian real estate sector

Authors

  • Jaime Iván Quiroz Peña Instituto Tecnológico Superior Central Técnico
  • Irma Elizabeth Chango Pilaluisa Instituto Superior Universitario Central Técnico
  • Mercedes Fabiola Salvador Funes Instituto Superior Universitario Central Técnico
  • Evelyn Alexandra Guerrero Clerque Instituto Superior Universitario Central Técnico
  • Lady Diana Quila Muñoz Instituto Superior Universitario Central Técnico

Keywords:

organizational fraud; financial management; internal control; real estate sector

Abstract

Organizational fraud constitutes one of the main threats to the financial stability and sustainability of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly in sectors characterized by complex operational processes and high financial flows, such as the real estate sector. The objective of this study was to analyze the impact of organizational fraud on the financial management of SMEs operating in the Ecuadorian real estate sector. To this end, a quantitative approach was adopted, using a non-experimental, descriptive, and cross-sectional research design. The study population consisted of small and medium-sized enterprises within the real estate sector, from which data were collected through structured surveys administered to personnel responsible for administrative and accounting functions, complemented by an analysis of financial statements. The results revealed that the most recurrent fraud schemes were the misappropriation of financial resources (36,00%) and the execution of payments to non-existent suppliers (24,00%). Additionally, 40,00% of the companies reported direct financial losses, with an estimated average annual amount of approximately USD 21,000,00. The analysis of financial indicators identified a significant relationship between the occurrence of fraud and the deterioration of financial performance, reflected in a 15,00% reduction in current liquidity, a 46% decline in net profit margin, and a 40,00% decrease in return on assets. Furthermore, adverse effects on corporate reputation were observed, including loss of customer trust, reduced sales, and the termination of commercial contracts. In conclusion, organizational fraud has a direct and significant impact on financial management and the sustainability of SMEs in the Ecuadorian real estate sector, highlighting the need to strengthen internal control systems and implement preventive strategies aimed at enhancing transparency, financial efficiency, and organizational trust.

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Published

2025-12-29

How to Cite

Quiroz Peña, J. I., Chango Pilaluisa, . I. E. ., Salvador Funes, . M. F. ., Guerrero Clerque , E. A. ., & Quila Muñoz , L. D. . (2025). Impact of organizational fraud on financial management in small and medium sized enterprises in the Ecuadorian real estate sector. Investigación Tecnológica IST Central Técnico, 7(2), 99–116. Retrieved from http://investigacionistct.ec/ojs/index.php/investigacion_tecnologica/article/view/203

Issue

Vol. 7 No. 2 (2025): VOLUMEN 7. NÚMERO 2

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Copyright (c) 2025 Jaime Iván Quiroz Peña, Irma Elizabeth Chango Pilaluisa, Mercedes Fabiola Salvador Funes, Evelyn Alexandra Guerrero Clerque , Lady Diana Quila Muñoz

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