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Disclosing material weakness in internal controls: Does the gender of audit committee members matter?

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  • Robert James Parker
  • Mai Dao
  • Hua-Wei Huang
  • Yun-Chia Yan

Abstract

As mandated by Sarbanes-Oxley Act, firms must disclose material weaknesses in internal controls. This study extends the body of accounting research that seeks to identify the factors associated with such disclosure. Drawing upon gender research in the behavioral sciences, we argue that female audit committee members examine internal controls more critically and thoroughly than their male counterparts; hence, firms with females in these positions are more likely to report problems. A logistic regression model of material weakness disclosure is developed that includes, as a predictor variable, proportion of females on the audit committee. Results support the proposed relationship.

Suggested Citation

  • Robert James Parker & Mai Dao & Hua-Wei Huang & Yun-Chia Yan, 2017. "Disclosing material weakness in internal controls: Does the gender of audit committee members matter?," Asia-Pacific Journal of Accounting & Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 24(3-4), pages 407-420, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:raaexx:v:24:y:2017:i:3-4:p:407-420
    DOI: 10.1080/16081625.2015.1057190
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Doyle, Jeffrey & Ge, Weili & McVay, Sarah, 2007. "Determinants of weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting," Journal of Accounting and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 44(1-2), pages 193-223, September.
    2. Ashbaugh-Skaife, Hollis & Collins, Daniel W. & Kinney Jr., William R., 2007. "The discovery and reporting of internal control deficiencies prior to SOX-mandated audits," Journal of Accounting and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 44(1-2), pages 166-192, September.
    3. Zhang, Yan & Zhou, Jian & Zhou, Nan, 2007. "Audit committee quality, auditor independence, and internal control weaknesses," Journal of Accounting and Public Policy, Elsevier, vol. 26(3), pages 300-327.
    4. Adams, Renée B. & Ferreira, Daniel, 2009. "Women in the boardroom and their impact on governance and performance," Journal of Financial Economics, Elsevier, vol. 94(2), pages 291-309, November.
    5. Rachel Croson & Uri Gneezy, 2009. "Gender Differences in Preferences," Journal of Economic Literature, American Economic Association, vol. 47(2), pages 448-474, June.
    6. Bellucci, Andrea & Borisov, Alexander & Zazzaro, Alberto, 2010. "Does gender matter in bank-firm relationships? Evidence from small business lending," Journal of Banking & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 34(12), pages 2968-2984, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Chen, Tao, 2023. "Common auditors and internal control similarity: Evidence from China," The British Accounting Review, Elsevier, vol. 55(2).
    2. Li, Xiaochong & Li, Yanxi, 2020. "Female independent directors and financial irregularities in chinese listed firms: From the perspective of audit committee chairpersons," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 32(C).
    3. Junhui Wang & Jerry Sun, 2022. "The role of audit committees in social responsibility and environmental disclosures: evidence from Chinese energy sector," International Journal of Disclosure and Governance, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 19(1), pages 113-128, March.
    4. Chalmers, Keryn & Hay, David & Khlif, Hichem, 2019. "Internal control in accounting research: A review," Journal of Accounting Literature, Elsevier, vol. 42(C), pages 80-103.
    5. Jie Hao & Viet Pham & Meng Guo, 2022. "The Gender Effects of Audit Partners on Audit Outcomes: Evidence of Rule 3211 Adoption," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 177(2), pages 275-304, May.
    6. Ilyass Chaker, 2022. "Les caractéristiques des comités d'audit : Déterminants de la performance financière et de la qualité informationnelle ?," Post-Print hal-03680709, HAL.

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