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Auditors’ responses and whistleblowing allegations

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  • Zhou, Fuzhao

Abstract

In this paper, I examine whether audit fees and auditors’ opinions on internal controls relate to peer firms’ whistleblowing allegations. This paper provides compelling evidence that whistleblowing allegations impact peer firms’ audit fees and auditors’ opinions on internal control effectiveness. More specifically, audit fees increase, and auditors issue more adverse opinions on internal controls after whistleblowing allegations. This effect is stronger when the peer firms have higher litigation risks and more internal control issues. Overall, this study provides new insights into how whistleblowing allegations can affect the audit process and audit fees.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhou, Fuzhao, 2023. "Auditors’ responses and whistleblowing allegations," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 58(PB).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:finlet:v:58:y:2023:i:pb:s1544612323007924
    DOI: 10.1016/j.frl.2023.104420
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Yu Flora Kuang & Gladys Lee & Bo Qin, 2021. "Whistleblowing Allegations, Audit Fees, and Internal Control Deficiencies," Contemporary Accounting Research, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 38(1), pages 32-62, March.
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    4. Nickolay Gantchev & Oleg R Gredil & Chotibhak Jotikasthira, 2019. "Governance under the Gun: Spillover Effects of Hedge Fund Activism," Review of Finance, European Finance Association, vol. 23(6), pages 1031-1068.
    5. Devos, Erik & Huang, Jianning & Zhou, Fuzhao, 2021. "The effects of corporate name changes on firm information environment and earnings management," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 77(C).
    6. Bruynseels, L.M.L. & Cardinaels, E., 2014. "The audit committee : Management watchdog or personal friend of the CEO?," Other publications TiSEM 4efbab67-3b44-4eab-9f17-0, Tilburg University, School of Economics and Management.
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    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Whistleblowing allegations; Peer firms; Audit fees; Internal control weaknesses;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D22 - Microeconomics - - Production and Organizations - - - Firm Behavior: Empirical Analysis
    • G30 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - General
    • M41 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Accounting - - - Accounting

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