The key factor governing the planning of an asset protection program is the support of top management. Without this support, the program is unlikely to secure the resources, authority, or organizational buy-in required for successful implementation.

Why Top Management Support is Crucial:

Ensures allocation of necessary resources (budget, personnel, technology).

Provides authority for enforcing policies and procedures.

Encourages organizational culture alignment with security goals.

Secondary Factors: While employee awareness, training, and background screening are important, they are operational aspects that depend on the initial framework established by management commitment.

CPP® Context:

Enterprise Security Risk Management (ESRM): Emphasizes leadership support as foundational to program success.

Organizational Security Principles: Highlights the need for top-down advocacy to embed security into the corporate culture.