Final answer:
Never leave an unlocked cash drawer unattended due to the risk of theft. If an employee's drawer is short and they're accused of theft, they should respond professionally by requesting an investigation and possibly additional training or a position change. The perception of appropriate actions, such as handling a found wallet, can vary significantly across cultures.
Step-by-step explanation:
It is never all right to leave your unlocked cash drawer unattended in a retail environment, as this poses a significant security risk and can lead to theft or mismanagement of funds. However, in the scenario where an employee's cash drawer has been coming up short and they are confronted and labeled as a thief, it is crucial for the employee to handle the situation with care.
The employee should first ensure that they are following all procedures correctly, such as always locking the drawer when not in use and not leaving it unattended. If accusations persist, the employee should request a thorough investigation, which may include examining surveillance footage or conducting an audit to determine the root cause of the discrepancies. The employee might also request to be trained again on cash handling procedures or to be moved to a different position to avoid further confrontation.
The concept of deviant behavior varies by culture, as seen in the wallet example where in some Eastern societies, finding a wallet and searching for the owner yourself is seen as appropriate, whereas in the United States, it's considered more appropriate to turn it into the local authorities.