The factors affecting an auditor's ethical decision-making behavior

Abstract

The aim of this research is to discover the factors that cause an auditor to violate the Code of Conduct and accept a dysfunctional auditing behavior. The purpose is to specifically see how the auditor is being influenced by the tone the client and CPA firm has set on their firms, as well as by his relationship with the client and his auditing supervisor to undertake unethical behavior. Multiple auditing firms were visited, national and international, where 9 auditors (5 supervisors and 4 juniors) were interviewed and asked well-structured open-ended questions. Results showed that the working relationship between the auditor and his supervisor, the working relationship between the auditor and his client, and the clients tone do not affect the auditors performance. Moreover, it was found that the auditors character was the only variable that influences his ethical decision making. All other factors were only influential depending on the auditors character.