Can auditors be independent? : Experimental evidence

摘要: In the U.S., Sarbanes-Oxley Act made audit committee responsible for appointment, compensation and oversight of auditor. We examine whether this institutional change resolves alleged problem an unconscious favoring management (Bazerman et al. 1997, 2002, 2006). our experimental design, we make use particular features German setting as it enables us to manipulate client auditor in a realistic clear-cut way. First, find that auditors demonstrate professional scepticism evaluation evidence while they issue unbiased opinions. Second, confirm perceiving financial incentives be high may bias opinion. Making accountable supervisory board proved helpful reducing risk. Third, show who perceive psychological tend favor judgment management. This effect disappears experienced auditors.