Going-Concern Opinions in Failing Companies: Auditor Dependence and Opinion Shopping

26 Pages Posted: 12 Oct 2000

See all articles by Clive S. Lennox

Clive S. Lennox

University of Southern California

Date Written: August 2000

Abstract

Contrary to public expectations, companies usually receive clean audit opinions shortly prior to failure. This study examines whether audit reports in failing companies are affected by auditor dependence or opinion shopping. I find audit fees, auditor size, auditor-client tenures and dominant directors are not significantly associated with going-concern opinions. This suggests audit reports are not affected by auditor dependence. I also find companies strategically appoint auditors who are less likely to issue going concern opinions. This suggests failing companies successfully engage in opinion shopping.

JEL Classification: M49, G33

Suggested Citation

Lennox, Clive, Going-Concern Opinions in Failing Companies: Auditor Dependence and Opinion Shopping (August 2000). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=240468 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.240468

Clive Lennox (Contact Author)

University of Southern California ( email )

2250 Alcazar Street
Los Angeles, CA 90089
United States

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