Effects of a Governing Body on Internal Audit Quality: Empirical Evidence from Thailand
Keywords:
Governing Body, Internal Audit Support, Internal Audit Quality, Corporate GovernanceAbstract
This study aims to examine the direct and indirect effects of a governing body on internal audit quality, using internal audit support as a mediator. Data were collected from both primary and secondary sources. The internal audit quality and internal audit support data were collected from questionnaires sent to the Chief Audit Executives of Thailand’s listed companies. The response rate was 17.7%, with 126 companies responding. Afterwards, the matching secondary data about the governing body were collected from the annual registration statement.
Using the covariance-based structural equation model (CB-SEM) method, the empirical analysis concludes that while the governing body has no direct effect, it has an indirect effect on internal audit quality through internal audit support. Therefore, to improve the quality of internal audit, the governing body - board of directors and audit committee - should provide adequate resources and competence to internal audit, as it is an integral part of effective corporate governance. This study contributes to the literature on determinants of internal audit quality in a developing country, Thailand. It also contributes practically by assisting regulators in determining the qualifications and competence of internal audit personnel. Last, it raises the board and audit committee awareness of the importance of allocating adequate resources to internal audit, especially in a volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) world.
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