A synthesis of empirical internal audit effectiveness literature pointing to new research opportunities
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide a synopsis of what academic literature says about internal audit (IA) effectiveness ten years after Bailey et al. (2003) presented research opportunities in IA. A new set of research questions that may help to bring the best out of IA is proposed.
Design/methodology/approach
Empirical studies based on internal auditors’ self-assessments (“inside-out”) and empirical studies based on other stakeholders’ perspectives (“outside-in”) are reviewed through an “effectiveness lens”. The “outside-in” perspective is regarded as particularly valuable.
Findings
First, common themes in the empirical literature are identified. Second, the main threads into a model comprising macro and micro factors that influence IA effectiveness are synthesized. Third, promising future research paths that may enhance IA's value proposition were derived.
Practical implications
The “outside-in” perspective indicates a disposition to stakeholders’ disappointment in IA: IA is either running a risk of marginalization (IIA, 2013; PWC, 2013) or has to embrace the challenge to emerge as a recognized and stronger profession. The suggested research agenda identifies empirical research threads that can help IA practitioners to make a difference for their organization, be recognized, respected and trusted and help the IA profession in its pursuit of creating a unique identity. This paper wishes to motivate researchers to explore innovative research strategies and probe new theories, as well as benefit from cross-fertilization with other research streams.
Originality/value
This paper summarizes the state of research on IA effectiveness and proposes a guide for future IA research. It provides pointed questions that may further advance the understanding of what constitutes IA and how IA can enhance its value proposition.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank the participants at the 11th European Academic Conference on Internal Audit and Corporate Governance in Oslo in April 2013 for feedback on an earlier version of this paper. In particular, the authors would like to acknowledge the very helpful comments provided by Arno Nuijten (Erasmus University Rotterdam). Moreover, the authors thank David C. Jackson (HuiZhou University, China) for proof reading our manuscript.
Citation
Lenz, R. and Hahn, U. (2015), "A synthesis of empirical internal audit effectiveness literature pointing to new research opportunities", Managerial Auditing Journal, Vol. 30 No. 1, pp. 5-33. https://doi.org/10.1108/MAJ-08-2014-1072
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2015, Emerald Group Publishing Limited