Investors' Perceptions of Audit Quality: Effects of Regulatory Change

Posted: 21 Sep 2011 Last revised: 1 May 2013

See all articles by Jason L. Smith

Jason L. Smith

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Date Written: September 12, 2011

Abstract

In an experiment using MBA students as proxies for individual investors, I examine the effects of two important regulatory changes on investors’ perceptions of audit quality. The first change examined is from a bottom-up coverage-based approach for auditing internal controls to a more top-down risk-based approach. The second change is litigation reform further limiting auditor liability exposure following an alleged audit failure. I find that investors perceive a reduction in audit quality following each of the two regulatory changes. These observed effects are mediated by a perceived focus on efficiency for the new auditing standard and by a perceived change in the auditor’s economic incentives following the proposed litigation reform. I also find that investors believe the perceived reduction in audit quality will lead management to invest fewer resources in internal controls.

Keywords: audit quality, investor perceptions, internal control, auditor liability

Suggested Citation

Smith, Jason L., Investors' Perceptions of Audit Quality: Effects of Regulatory Change (September 12, 2011). Auditing: A Journal of Practice & Theory, 31 (1): 17-38. , Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1931699

Jason L. Smith (Contact Author)

University of Nevada, Las Vegas ( email )

4505 S. Maryland Parkway
Las Vegas, NV 89154
United States

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