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Professionalism versus commercialism. The inherent conflict in audit firms?

Journal Contribution - Journal Article

Although heavily debated in academic literature, the causes and consequences of the inherent conflict of professionalism versus commercialism in audit firms are still undecided. It has been argued that the commercialisation process entered the audit profession; facing a culture shift from 'being a professional' to 'being profitable' and an organisational shift from 'small' professional partnerships to 'large' managed professional businesses. This paper elaborates on the commercialisation process audit firms withstand and discusses the effects of commercialism on audit quality in light of prior research findings. It advocates that 'the tone at the top' of audit firms and, more specifically, partner compensation schemes could moderate commercial behaviour and enhance audit quality.
Journal: Accountancy and Bedrijfskunde: Maandschrift
ISSN: 0770-7142
Volume: 34
Pages: 16-32
Keywords:Professionalism, Commercialism, 'Tone at the top'
  • ORCID: /0000-0002-7459-6615/work/82707883
  • ORCID: /0000-0001-8777-8613/work/82573758
  • ORCID: /0000-0001-9301-9445/work/80703006
  • VABB Id: c:vabb:387740