Key research themes
1. What factors determine the effectiveness of internal auditing in organizations?
This theme investigates the determinants and measurement of internal audit (IA) effectiveness, aiming to understand the organizational, relational, and extrinsic factors that influence IA's ability to add value, improve governance, and support corporate objectives. Understanding these factors is critical for practitioners and scholars to optimize IA functions and enhance their contribution within both public and private sector organizations.
2. How do internal audit function characteristics and relationships with governance bodies affect corporate governance and firm performance?
Research under this theme examines the role of IA in enhancing corporate governance, focusing on how characteristics of the internal audit function (such as budget, independence, and expertise) and its relationship with the audit committee influence governance quality, risk management, and ultimately firm performance. This is essential for understanding IA’s strategic value in organizational oversight and accountability.
3. What are the challenges and emerging issues affecting internal auditor independence, objectivity, and professional roles?
This theme synthesizes research on internal auditor independence and objectivity, the evolving scope of IA as both assurance provider and internal consultant, and the social and ethical dimensions influencing IA roles. Understanding these challenges informs organizational policies and guides future research on maintaining IA effectiveness and integrity amid expanding governance demands.