Corporate governance and no fraud occurrence in organizations

2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 501-518 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philip Law
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Governance ◽  
Hong Kong ◽  
Audit Committee ◽  
Internal Audit ◽  
Organizational Factors ◽  
Influential Factor ◽  
Asia Pacific ◽  
Chief Financial Officers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Tone At The Top

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine empirically the organizational factors that are associated with the absence of fraud.Design/methodology/approachFactor analysis using principal component extraction was first employed. Logistic regression was then performed to analyze the survey responses of 253 chief financial officers (CFOs) in Hong Kong. A total of 20 semi‐structured interviews were also carried out with CFOs to supplement the research results.FindingsThe results indicate that audit committee effectiveness, internal audit effectiveness, the tone at the top managerial level, and ethical guidelines and policies are positively associated with a lack of fraud within organizations. Neither auditors' prior success in fraud detection nor the type of auditor employed is an influential factor in the absence of fraud. These results are interesting and counter those of earlier studies conducted in the USA. Also contradicting prior research, the receipt of unqualified audit reports was not found to be significant in this study.Practical implicationsThe lack of significance for certain variables, and the counterintuitive nature of some of the results offers opportunities for further research. The results provide auditors with practical insights that will prove useful in the course of their work.Originality/valueThis is the first empirical study of its nature to be conducted in Hong Kong, and its results will make an important contribution to the corporate governance and auditing literature, particularly that focused on the Asia‐Pacific region. These results also have important implications for the accounting profession and for the corporate governance process within organizations.

Corporate governance and internal audit: an institutional theory perspective

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 175-190 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina Vadasi ◽  
Michalis Bekiaris ◽  
Andreas Andrikopoulos
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Governance ◽  
Institutional Theory ◽  
Audit Committee ◽  
Internal Audit ◽  
Annual Reports ◽  
Substantial Impact ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Internal Auditors ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Audit Effectiveness

Purpose This paper aims to explore internal audit effectiveness through its contribution to corporate governance. Namely, the authors attempt to investigate the impact of internal audit professionalization on internal audit’s contribution to corporate governance. Design/methodology/approach Using a research framework informed by institutional theory, the authors predict that internal audit’s contribution to corporate governance is associated with factors related to internal audit professionalization. To investigate the arguments, the authors combine data from a survey of 49 listed companies in the Athens Stock Exchange with publicly available information from annual reports. Findings Empirical results indicate that internal audit professionalization affects internal audit effectiveness, as internal audit’s contribution to corporate governance is improved for organizations where internal audit function complies with internal auditing standards and internal auditors hold professional certifications. The findings also suggest that internal audit’s contribution to corporate governance is shaped by some company-specific characteristics, namely, CEO duality and audit committee quality. Practical implications The results have implications for internal auditors who wish to increase the efficiency of their work, corporate governance mechanisms such as the board of directors and the audit committee, which can use the findings of this study to better respond to their responsibilities concerning internal audit and regulators who can also benefit to strengthen areas with substantial impact on internal audit’s contribution to corporate governance. Originality/value This paper contributes to the academic discussion on the role of internal audit in corporate governance and complements the work of other researchers in the field of internal audit professionalization. This study tries to fill a gap in the literature on the effect of internal audit professionalization elements on internal audit’s contribution to corporate governance.

scholarly journals Factors affecting the voluntary use of internal audit: evidence from the UK

2018 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 288-317 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hazem Ramadan Ismael ◽  
Clare Roberts
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Governance ◽  
Agency Theory ◽  
Internal Control ◽  
Audit Committee ◽  
Internal Audit ◽  
Theoretical Framework ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
The Uk

Purpose This study aims to identify the factors that lead non-financial companies listed in the UK to use an internal audit function (IAF) as a monitoring mechanism. Although the use of an IAF in the UK is voluntary, no prior research has examined the drivers for using one. Design/methodology/approach Financial and non-financial data were collected from the annual reports of 332 UK non-financial companies listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) Main Market. Univariate tests and multivariate logistic regression tests were used to test the research hypotheses. A theoretical framework based on both agency theory and transaction cost economics (TCE) theory was used to explain the economic factors affecting the use of an IAF. Findings The study provides evidence that firm size, level of internal risks, agency problem between owners and managers and existence of an effective audit committee are associated with the existence of an IAF. Thus, the need to have strong internal control and risk management systems and to reduce both internal and external agency costs drives companies to have an IAF. These results suggest the importance of IAF as an internal corporate governance tool and the effectiveness of UK governance regulations in monitoring the effectiveness of internal control systems. Practical implications Given the importance of the IAF’s corporate governance role, the study provides some policy implications. Regulators should pay more attention to the issue of maintaining an IAF, especially by large companies, the relationship between the IAF and other governance parties, especially the audit committee, and the disclosure of more relevant information about the IAF’s characteristics and practices. Originality/value This is the first study to examine the factors affecting the existence of the IAF within the UK’s distinctive regulatory approach of “comply or disclose reasons”. Furthermore, it provides a theoretical framework that explains how both the agency theory and TCE theory can interpret the adoption of internal audit.

The effect of corporate governance mechanisms on earnings management

2016 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Abedalqader Al-Thuneibat ◽  
Hussam Abdulmohsen Al-Angari ◽  
Saleh Abdulrahman Al-Saad
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Governance ◽  
Middle East ◽  
Earnings Management ◽  
Capital Market ◽  
Audit Committee ◽  
Internal Audit ◽  
Governance Mechanisms ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Corporate Governance Mechanisms ◽  
Negative Effect

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the compliance of Saudi shareholding companies with the requirements of corporate governance issued by the Board of Capital Market Authority in the Kingdom and their impact on earnings management. Design/methodology/approach – A questionnaire was used to collect data about the compliance of the Saudi shareholding companies with corporate governance requirements and discretionary accruals (DAs) were calculated from the financial statements of these companies using the modified Jones model, then multiple regression was used to test the relationship between the variables. Findings – The results of the study revealed that there was no statistically significant linear dependence of the mean of DAs on corporate governance. Additionally, no statistically significant effect for internal audit, audit committee and board of directors on earnings management was detected. However, the results revealed that there was a slight negative effect for internal audit scope of work and independence and audit committee independence on DAs. Research limitations implications – This research paper is applied on Saudi Arabia, a Middle East country with specific characteristics, that is, a specific context, and, therefore, the results must be interpreted within this context Practical implications – Regulators of Saudi corporations may need to reassess the effectiveness of corporate governance requirements issued by the Capital Market Authority and the actual implementation of these requirements. Researchers also may need further investigation of this phenomenon within its context. Social implications – The results of the study are very important to the Saudi society because they put a big question mark on the relevance of corporate governance of the Saudi shareholding companies Originality/value – The paper provides new evidence about the effect of corporate governance mechanisms on earnings management in a Middle East environment, which may suggest that there is a need to expand this study using other methodologies to delve into the depths and understand this phenomenon within its context.

Corporate governance, SSB strength and the use of internal audit function by Islamic banks

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 152-167
Author(s):  
Saed Ahmed Sulub ◽  
Zalailah Salleh ◽  
Hafiza Aishah Hashim
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Governance ◽  
Board Of Directors ◽  
Audit Committee ◽  
Global Financial Crisis ◽  
Supervisory Board ◽  
Internal Audit ◽  
Annual Reports ◽  
Islamic Banks ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Internal Audit Function

Purpose This paper aims to identify the effects of some corporate governance (CG) mechanisms and Shariah Supervisory Board (SSB) strength on the voluntary use of internal audit function (IAF) by Islamic banks in Sudan. Design/methodology/approach Based on Agency and Stakeholder Theories, this paper hypothesizes that IAF is likely used by Islamic banks with strong CG and Shariah governance systems. To test these hypotheses, we examine the annual reports of 14 Sudanese banks for a period of five years following the global financial crisis in 2008, using logistic regression analysis. Findings This paper found that IAF is likely used by Islamic banks with higher CG disclosure (CGD) and strong SSB. While the findings showed that the audit committee and IAF are likely used as substitutes, this paper also indicated that there is a negative association between levels of Unrestricted Investment Account Holders’ (UIAH) ownership and the use of IAF. However, the evidence of this study did not find any impact for the board of directors’ strength on the use of IAF. Research limitations/implications There may be better measures for some variables in the study model. Additionally, the restriction of the study sample to Sudanese banks may limit the generalization of the results. Therefore, future studies may refine the model and expand the sample to Islamic banks in other countries. Practical implications This paper highlights the importance of IAF for Shariah governance in Islamic banks. Moreover, the insignificant association between the use of IAF and the strength of board of directors has important implications for the board’s effectiveness in Islamic banks. Originality/value This is the first study to investigate the factors associated with the use of IAF by Islamic banks.

Effects of reporting relationship and type of internal control deficiency on internal auditors’ internal control evaluations

2018 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 318-335 ◽  
Author(s):  
Audrey Gramling ◽  
Arnold Schneider
Keyword(s):  
Internal Control ◽  
Audit Committee ◽  
Internal Audit ◽  
Internal Controls ◽  
Material Weakness ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Internal Auditors ◽  
Tone At The Top ◽  
Internal Audit Function ◽  
Professional Guidance

Purpose This paper aims to explore whether an internal auditor’s evaluation of internal control deficiencies are influenced by the party with primary influence over the internal audit function and by the type of internal control deficiency. Design/methodology/approach A behavioral experiment is conducted with internal auditors as participants in a 2 × 2 between-subjects factorial design. Findings Results indicate that internal auditors are less likely to evaluate a pervasive control deficiency related to “tone at the top” as a material weakness than a process-specific control deficiency. Furthermore, internal auditors are somewhat less likely to evaluate a process-specific internal control deficiency as a material weakness when management has primary influence over the internal audit function than when the audit committee has primary influence. It is also found that the best practice of internal audit oversight (i.e., primary oversight of internal auditors by the audit committee) may lead to potential internal under-reporting of instances where the audit committee represents a material weakness in internal control. Research limitations/implications Limitations of this research include lack of economic consequences (e.g. future pay and job loss) associated with the internal control decisions made by the participants; less concise information provided to the participants than would generally be available to them; and lack of generalizability of the findings beyond the specific company setting and internal control scenario portrayed in the case materials. Practical implications Not evaluating a pervasive control deficiency related to “tone at the top” as a material weakness seems to not fully align with relevant professional guidance and can possibly result in inaccurate internal information about the quality of internal controls. Furthermore, having an internal auditor’s evaluation of a process-specific internal control deficiency influenced by the party with primary influence over the internal audit function would not appear to align with relevant professional guidance. Finally, primary oversight by the audit committee of the internal auditors may lead to potential internal under-reporting of instances where the audit committee represents a material weakness in internal controls and, thus, possible communication of inaccurate internal control information. Originality/value This study is the first to address whether the party with primary influence over the internal audit function influences an internal auditor’s evaluation of internal control deficiencies.

Does corporate governance affect the performance of Islamic banks? New insight into Islamic countries

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (6) ◽  
pp. 1073-1090 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ejaz Aslam ◽  
Razali Haron
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Governance ◽  
Audit Committee ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Islamic Banks ◽  
Governance Mechanism ◽  
Method Of Moment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Return On Equity ◽  
Islamic Countries ◽  
And Performance

Purpose Corporate governance plays a significant role to overcome agency issues and develop the culture of transparency and openness. In this context, this paper aims to examine how corporate governance mechanisms affect the performance of Islamic banks (IBs). Design/methodology/approach Stepwise, two-step system generalize method of moment estimation technique is used in the analysis in which control variables are added into the model sequentially. This study used data on 129 IBs from 29 Islamic countries (Middle East, South Asia and Southeast Asia) during the period of 2008 to 2017. Findings The findings suggest that the audit committee (AUDC) and Shariah board (SB) have positive impact on the performance of IBs (return on assets and return on equity). However, board size and risk management committee have negative and significant effect on the performance of IBs. CEO duality and non-executive directors have mixed relationship with the performance of IBs. These results support the argument that IBs need to improve their financial performance through appropriate governance mechanism. Research limitations/implications The findings of the study added a new dimension to the governance research that could be a valuable source of knowledge for policymakers and regulators to improve the existing governance mechanism for better performance of IBs. Originality/value The study fills the gap in the literature by addressing the issue of corporate governance on performance of IBs across countries. Agency theory is discussed to explain the relationship between corporate governance mechanism and performance.

Audit committee characteristics and the moderating effect of Malaysian code of corporate governance on IPO liquidity

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amal Mohammed Al-Masawa ◽  
Rasidah Mohd-Rashid ◽  
Hamdan Amer Al-Jaifi ◽  
Shaker Dahan Al-Duais
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Governance ◽  
Initial Public Offerings ◽  
Audit Committee ◽  
Ordinary Least Squares ◽  
Moderating Effect ◽  
Least Squares Regression ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Code Of Corporate Governance ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose This study aims to investigate the link between audit committee characteristics and the liquidity of initial public offerings (IPOs) in Malaysia, which is an emerging economy in Southeast Asia. Another purpose of this study is to examine the moderating effect of the revised Malaysian code of corporate governance (MCCG) on the link between audit committee characteristics and IPO liquidity. Design/methodology/approach The final sample consists of 304 Malaysian IPOs listed in 2002–2017. This study uses ordinary least squares regression method to analyse the data. To confirm this study’s findings, a hierarchical or four-stage regression analysis is used to compare the t-values of the main and moderate regression models. Findings The findings show that audit committee characteristics (size and director independence) have a positive and significant relationship with IPO liquidity. Also, the revised MCCG positively moderates the relationship between audit committee characteristics and IPO liquidity. Research limitations/implications This study’s findings indicate that companies with higher audit committee independence have a more effective monitoring mechanism that mitigates information asymmetry, thus reducing adverse selection issues during share trading. Practical implications Policymakers could use the results of this study in developing policies for IPO liquidity improvements. Additionally, the findings are useful for traders and investors in their investment decision-making. For companies, the findings highlight the crucial role of the audit committee as part of the control system that monitors corporate governance. Originality/value To the authors’ knowledge, this work is a pioneering study in the context of a developing country, specifically Malaysia that investigates the impact of audit committee characteristics on IPO liquidity. Previously, the link between corporate governance and IPO liquidity had not been investigated in Malaysia. This study also contributes to the IPO literature by providing empirical evidence regarding the moderating effect of the revised MCCG on the relationship between audit committee characteristics and IPO liquidity.

The Role of Accounting Mechanisms for Corporate Governance in Reducing Creative Accounting Practices in Telecommunications Sector Companies in Riyadh City: An Empirical Study: دور الآليات المحاسبية لحوكمة الشركات في الحد من ممارسات المحاسبة الإبداعية في شركات قطاع الاتصالات بمدينة الرياض: دراسة ميدانية

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (15) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lamis Jameel Banasser, Maha Faisal Alsayegh
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Governance ◽  
Internal Control ◽  
Audit Committee ◽  
Internal Audit ◽  
Internal Auditors ◽  
External Auditors ◽  
Riyadh City ◽  
Creative Accounting ◽  
Telecommunications Sector

The study aimed to identify the role of accounting mechanisms for corporate governance in reducing creative accounting practices in telecommunications sector companies in Riyadh city. A descriptive analytical approach was followed to conduct the field study. Sample of the study consisted of members of the audit committee, internal auditors, accountants from the surveyed telecommunications’ sector companies, and the external auditors in the audit offices that specialized on auditing the examined sample of companies. Questionnaire was used as a data collection method. Results showed that activating the role of accounting mechanisms for corporate governance can greatly contribute in limiting creative accounting practices. As they are controlling mechanisms that capable of protecting companies, shareholders and stakeholders from any manipulation or misleading information in the financial statements. Further, internal audit plays a major role in limiting creative accounting practices by examining and evaluating the effectiveness of the internal control system. Furthermore, the independence and competence of the external auditor and his commitment to the rules of conduct and ethics of the profession contribute greatly in limiting creative accounting practices in the examined companies. The study recommended the necessity of holding specialized training courses for members of audit committees, internal auditors and external auditors on methods of detecting creative accounting practices to combat and reduce them.

The impact of audit committee characteristics on internal audit professionalization: empirical evidence from Greece

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina Vadasi ◽  
Michalis Bekiaris ◽  
Andreas G. Koutoupis
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Evidence ◽  
Audit Committee ◽  
Audit Quality ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Internal Audit ◽  
Audit Committees ◽  
Annual Reports ◽  
Substantial Impact ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

Purpose This paper aims to provide empirical evidence of the association between audit committee characteristics and internal audit quality through internal audit professionalization. Design/methodology/approach The investigation of the research question was based on 45 usable responses that were received from a survey of chief audit executives from firms listed on the Athens Stock Exchange and combined with publicly available information from annual reports. Findings The results indicate that audit committee characteristics (independence, diligence through frequent meetings and interaction with internal audit through valuation) influence internal audit professionalization. In addition, they demonstrate that internal audit professionalization is also influenced by CEO duality and firm’s external auditor. Practical implications The findings of this study have implications for audit committees wishing to improve their overall effectiveness, by identifying areas with substantial impact on internal audit quality. Moreover, regulators of corporate governance bodies can also benefit from the results to strengthen audit committee’s efficiency regarding internal audit function oversight. Originality/value The results add to the literature on the discussion of internal audit professionalization and complement the work of other researchers in the field of audit committee’s impact on internal audit quality/effectiveness. This study attempts to fill a gap in the literature on the effect of audit committee characteristics on internal audit professionalization, an element introduced from an institutional theory perspective.

Expansion decision: HC Securities and Investment

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 1-27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali H. Choucri ◽  
Anne Dietterich ◽  
Victoria Gillern ◽  
Julia Ivy
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
International Business ◽  
Global Strategy ◽  
Growth Potential ◽  
Asia Pacific ◽  
Local Market ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Customer Base ◽  
Academic Level

Learning outcomes Expected learning outcomes: To respond to the case question, students would analyze macro- and microeconomic differences to determine HC Securities’ preferred global strategy and appropriate market entry mode. The case demonstrates how instability in a local market, in this case Egypt, can force a company to go global. It also demonstrates how two superficially similar markets, Singapore and Hong Kong, provide different opportunities for HC Securities and require different global strategies: Singapore provides a jumping-off point to its predominantly Muslim neighbors Malaysia and Indonesia, whereas Hong Kong gives access to China and could provide a new customer base of Asian investors willing to invest in Africa and the Middle East. Case overview/synopsis Brief overview of the case: The case introduces the Egyptian investment company HC Securities, which is facing challenges related to Egypt’s political instability and economic slowdown. HC Securities’ CEO, Mr. Choucri, feels expansion to one of the Asia-Pacific countries could help with the company’s growth and stability. He identifies Hong Kong and Singapore as the most compelling locations because of their sophisticated economies and growth potential in the investments industry. This case provides information about each market, allowing students to respond to the question “What should Choucri do to assure a market-based solution for his company?” Complexity academic level Student level and proposed courses: The case is appropriate for use in undergraduate courses in international business or strategic management. Supplementary materials Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email [email protected] to request teaching notes. Subject code International Business.

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