On 01/05/14 17:41, Owen DeLong wrote:
The problem with this theory is that if auditors can be so easily put to the street, you run into the risk of auditors altering behavior to increase customer satisfaction in ways that prevent them from providing the controls that are the reason auditors exist in the first place.
I disagree. And the power balance is generally tilted way in favour of the auditors, as many people on this thread have already commented. In my experience, most companies are afraid/inhibited to raise issues or challenge their auditors in any way. Nobody is asking auditors to roll over, but if their behaviour is unprofessional/illogical, then a short sharp shock should do the trick.
If you don’t believe me, examine the history of Arthur Anderson and their relationship with a certain Houston-based company which failed spectacularly.
Can't really comment, but it was financial auditing, and ISTR that many things failed in that situation - not just financial auditing. John -- John Souter, CEO, London Internet Exchange Ltd Trinity Court, Trinity Street, Peterborough PE1 1DA. Registered 3137929 in England. Mobile: +44-7711-492389 https://www.linx.net/ "Working for the Internet" sip:john@linx.net