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Related party transactions and audit fees: the role of the internal audit function

Author

Listed:
  • Redhwan Ahmed Al-Dhamari

    (Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM))

  • Bakr Al-Gamrh

    (Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM)
    International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM))

  • Ku Nor Izah Ku Ismail

    (Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM))

  • Samihah Saad Haji Ismail

    (Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM))

Abstract

Related party transactions (RPTs) are viewed as genuine transactions that rationally fulfil other economic demands of a company. However, RPTs can also be used to transfer wealth from minority shareholders to controlling shareholders. The existence of such transactions may deteriorate financial reporting quality, increase audit risk, and as a result increase audit fees. This study examines the relationship between RPTs and audit fees in Malaysia, where ownership is often concentrated within a controlling family and corporate governance mechanisms are poor. It also investigates the moderating effect of the internal audit function (IAF) on this relationship. We find that external auditors base their fees on the types of RPTs undertaken. Specifically, our results show that audit fees are higher for firms that undertake RPTs involving the sale and purchase of assets, goods, and services. We also document that external auditors rely on the IAF, and thus their fees are lower for firms that undertake RPTs and that have made a large investment in an IAF. Our study is the first to provide evidence that RPTs in Malaysian firms may be abused as a channel to facilitate tunnelling and that the IAF plays a vital role in controlling such transactions.

Suggested Citation

  • Redhwan Ahmed Al-Dhamari & Bakr Al-Gamrh & Ku Nor Izah Ku Ismail & Samihah Saad Haji Ismail, 2018. "Related party transactions and audit fees: the role of the internal audit function," Journal of Management & Governance, Springer;Accademia Italiana di Economia Aziendale (AIDEA), vol. 22(1), pages 187-212, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jmgtgv:v:22:y:2018:i:1:d:10.1007_s10997-017-9376-6
    DOI: 10.1007/s10997-017-9376-6
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    2. Mihaiela Joly Mircea, 2022. "The post-COVID Economic Crisis and its Major Influences in the Economic Activity of Firms," Ovidius University Annals, Economic Sciences Series, Ovidius University of Constantza, Faculty of Economic Sciences, vol. 0(2), pages 911-919, Decembrie.
    3. Abdul Rasheed P C & T. Mallikarjunappa & K.T. Thomachan, 2019. "Promoter Ownership, Related Party Transactions and Firm Performance: A Study Among Selected Companies in India," FIIB Business Review, , vol. 8(3), pages 205-217, September.
    4. Sakthi Mahenthiran & Berta Silva Palavecinos & Hanns De La Fuente-Mella, 2020. "The Effect of Board Links, Audit Partner Tenure, and Related Party Transactions on Misstatements: Evidence from Chile," IJFS, MDPI, vol. 8(4), pages 1-21, December.

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