IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/pal/ijodag/v20y2023i3d10.1057_s41310-023-00175-7.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Influence of ownership structure on the choice of Big Four independent auditors

Author

Listed:
  • Vanessa Carvalho Pereira

    (Federal University of Bahia)

  • Antonio Gualberto Pereira

    (Federal University of Bahia)

  • José Sérgio Casé Oliveira

    (Federal University of Bahia)

Abstract

The aim of the study is to investigate the influence of the ownership structure on the choice of a Big Four independent audit, expecting a positive relationship if there is an entrenchment effect represented by the voting rights variable and a negative relationship if there is an incentive effect represented by the right cash flow variable. We analyze 122 publicly traded companies listed on B3 between the years 2010–2018. In addition to the variables of interest, we also control other variables that can influence the choice of a Big Four: company size, leverage, return on assets, issuance of ADRs, sector, CEO duality, board independence, B3 governance level and specialist auditor. The study uses an econometric method rarely used in research on this topic, the logit for panel data. The results found suggest that the right to cash flows (incentive effect) negatively influences the choice of a Big Four audit in the national scenario, confirming the second research hypothesis. As for the control variables, the findings suggest that the issuance of ADRs and being a member of a sector, whose auditing firm is a specialist influence the choice for a Big Four. The main contribution made by the work is to expand the evidence about the surrogate effect between internal mechanisms of corporate governance, with emphasis on the capital structure, and external mechanisms of corporate governance, such as the chosen external audit.

Suggested Citation

  • Vanessa Carvalho Pereira & Antonio Gualberto Pereira & José Sérgio Casé Oliveira, 2023. "Influence of ownership structure on the choice of Big Four independent auditors," International Journal of Disclosure and Governance, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 20(3), pages 316-326, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:ijodag:v:20:y:2023:i:3:d:10.1057_s41310-023-00175-7
    DOI: 10.1057/s41310-023-00175-7
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: http://link.springer.com/10.1057/s41310-023-00175-7
    File Function: Abstract
    Download Restriction: Access to the full text of the articles in this series is restricted.
    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.1057/s41310-023-00175-7?utm_source=ideas
    LibKey link: if access is restricted and if your library uses this service, LibKey will redirect you to where you can use your library subscription to access this item
    ---><---

    As the access to this document is restricted, you may want to search for a different version of it.

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Ismail Adelopo & Kumba Jallow & Peter Scott, 2012. "Multiple large ownership structure, audit committee activity and audit fees," Journal of Applied Accounting Research, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 13(2), pages 100-121, September.
    2. Alhababsah, Salem, 2019. "Ownership structure and audit quality: An empirical analysis considering ownership types in Jordan," Journal of International Accounting, Auditing and Taxation, Elsevier, vol. 35(C), pages 71-84.
    3. Reiner Quick & Niklas Schenk & Florian Schmidt & Thilo Towara, 2018. "The impact of corporate governance on auditor choice: evidence from Germany," Journal of Management & Governance, Springer;Accademia Italiana di Economia Aziendale (AIDEA), vol. 22(2), pages 251-283, June.
    4. Yeung, Wing Him & Lento, Camillo, 2018. "Ownership structure, audit quality, board structure, and stock price crash risk: Evidence from China," Global Finance Journal, Elsevier, vol. 37(C), pages 1-24.
    5. Ali M. Gerged & Babikir Bechir Mahamat & Ibrahim K. Elmghaamez, 2020. "Did corporate governance compliance have an impact on auditor selection and quality? Evidence from FTSE 350," International Journal of Disclosure and Governance, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 17(2), pages 51-60, September.
    6. Shleifer, Andrei & Vishny, Robert W, 1997. "A Survey of Corporate Governance," Journal of Finance, American Finance Association, vol. 52(2), pages 737-783, June.
    7. Jensen, Michael C. & Meckling, William H., 1976. "Theory of the firm: Managerial behavior, agency costs and ownership structure," Journal of Financial Economics, Elsevier, vol. 3(4), pages 305-360, October.
    8. Craswell, Allen T. & Francis, Jere R. & Taylor, Stephen L., 1995. "Auditor brand name reputations and industry specializations," Journal of Accounting and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 20(3), pages 297-322, December.
    9. Rafael La Porta & Florencio Lopez‐de‐Silanes & Andrei Shleifer & Robert W. Vishny, 2000. "Agency Problems and Dividend Policies around the World," Journal of Finance, American Finance Association, vol. 55(1), pages 1-33, February.
    10. Habib, Ahsan & Jiang, Haiyan, 2015. "Corporate governance and financial reporting quality in China: A survey of recent evidence," Journal of International Accounting, Auditing and Taxation, Elsevier, vol. 24(C), pages 29-45.
    11. Crisóstomo, Vicente Lima & Brandão, Isac de Freitas & López-Iturriaga, Félix Javier, 2020. "Large shareholders’ power and the quality of corporate governance: An analysis of Brazilian firms," Research in International Business and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 51(C).
    12. Ross, Stephen A, 1973. "The Economic Theory of Agency: The Principal's Problem," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 63(2), pages 134-139, May.
    13. Mohamed M. El-Dyasty & Ahmed A. Elamer, 2021. "The effect of ownership structure and board characteristics on auditor choice: evidence from Egypt," International Journal of Disclosure and Governance, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 18(4), pages 362-377, December.
    14. Rafael La Porta & Florencio Lopez‐De‐Silanes & Andrei Shleifer, 1999. "Corporate Ownership Around the World," Journal of Finance, American Finance Association, vol. 54(2), pages 471-517, April.
    15. MARK L. DeFOND & JAMES JIAMBALVO, 1993. "Factors Related to Auditor†Client Disagreements over Income†Increasing Accounting Methods," Contemporary Accounting Research, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 9(2), pages 415-431, March.
    16. Stijn Claessens & Simeon Djankov & Joseph P. H. Fan & Larry H. P. Lang, 2002. "Disentangling the Incentive and Entrenchment Effects of Large Shareholdings," Journal of Finance, American Finance Association, vol. 57(6), pages 2741-2771, December.
    17. Hope, Ole-Kristian & Langli, John Christian & Thomas, Wayne B., 2012. "Agency conflicts and auditing in private firms," Accounting, Organizations and Society, Elsevier, vol. 37(7), pages 500-517.
    18. repec:eme:jaar00:09675421211254821 is not listed on IDEAS
    19. Connie L. Becker & Mark L. Defond & James Jiambalvo & K.R. Subramanyam, 1998. "The Effect of Audit Quality on Earnings Management," Contemporary Accounting Research, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 15(1), pages 1-24, March.
    20. Ismail Adelopo & Kumba Jallow & Peter Scott, 2012. "Multiple large ownership structure, audit committee activity and audit fees," Journal of Applied Accounting Research, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 13(2), pages 100-121, September.
    21. Joseph P. H. Fan & T. J. Wong, 2005. "Do External Auditors Perform a Corporate Governance Role in Emerging Markets? Evidence from East Asia," Journal of Accounting Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 43(1), pages 35-72, March.
    22. Aladdin Dwekat & Zeena Mardawi & Islam Abdeljawad, 2018. "Corporate Governance and Auditor Quality Choice: Evidence from Palestinian Corporations," International Journal of Economics and Financial Issues, Econjournals, vol. 8(2), pages 47-53.
    23. Abiot Tessema & Moo Sung Kim & Jagadish Dandu, 2018. "The impact of ownership structure on earnings quality: the case of South Korea," International Journal of Disclosure and Governance, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 15(3), pages 129-141, August.
    24. Stijn Claessens & Joseph P. H. Fan, 2002. "Corporate Governance in Asia: A Survey," International Review of Finance, International Review of Finance Ltd., vol. 3(2), pages 71-103, June.
    25. Guedhami, Omrane & Pittman, Jeffrey A. & Saffar, Walid, 2009. "Auditor choice in privatized firms: Empirical evidence on the role of state and foreign owners," Journal of Accounting and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 48(2-3), pages 151-171, December.
    26. Shan, Yuan George & Troshani, Indrit & Tarca, Ann, 2019. "Managerial ownership, audit firm size, and audit fees: Australian evidence," Journal of International Accounting, Auditing and Taxation, Elsevier, vol. 35(C), pages 18-36.
    27. Fama, Eugene F, 1980. "Agency Problems and the Theory of the Firm," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 88(2), pages 288-307, April.
    28. Moncef Guizani & Gaafar Abdalkrim, 2021. "Ownership structure, board independence and auditor choice: evidence from GCC countries," Journal of Accounting in Emerging Economies, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 12(1), pages 127-149, July.
    29. Kanagaretnam, Kiridaran & Lobo, Gerald J. & Whalen, Dennis J., 2007. "Does good corporate governance reduce information asymmetry around quarterly earnings announcements?," Journal of Accounting and Public Policy, Elsevier, vol. 26(4), pages 497-522.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Shan, Yuan George & Troshani, Indrit & Tarca, Ann, 2019. "Managerial ownership, audit firm size, and audit fees: Australian evidence," Journal of International Accounting, Auditing and Taxation, Elsevier, vol. 35(C), pages 18-36.
    2. Caixe, Daniel Ferreira & Kalatzis, Aquiles Elie Guimarães & Castro, Luiz Ricardo Kabbach de, 2019. "Controlling shareholders and investment-risk sensitivity in an emerging economy," Emerging Markets Review, Elsevier, vol. 39(C), pages 133-153.
    3. Jong†Hag Choi & T. J. Wong, 2007. "Auditors' Governance Functions and Legal Environments: An International Investigation," Contemporary Accounting Research, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 24(1), pages 13-46, March.
    4. Ferrell, Allen & Liang, Hao & Renneboog, Luc, 2016. "Socially responsible firms," Journal of Financial Economics, Elsevier, vol. 122(3), pages 585-606.
    5. Ben Ali Chiraz & Cédric Lesage, 2010. "Ownership concentration and audit fees: do auditors matter most when investors are protected least?," Post-Print hal-00476923, HAL.
    6. He, Yan & Chiu, Yung-ho & Zhang, Bin, 2015. "The impact of corporate governance on state-owned and non-state-owned firms efficiency in China," The North American Journal of Economics and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 33(C), pages 252-277.
    7. Claessens, Stijn & Yurtoglu, B. Burcin, 2013. "Corporate governance in emerging markets: A survey," Emerging Markets Review, Elsevier, vol. 15(C), pages 1-33.
    8. Connelly, J. Thomas & Limpaphayom, Piman & Nagarajan, Nandu J., 2012. "Form versus substance: The effect of ownership structure and corporate governance on firm value in Thailand," Journal of Banking & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 36(6), pages 1722-1743.
    9. Mohamed M. El-Dyasty & Ahmed A. Elamer, 2021. "The effect of ownership structure and board characteristics on auditor choice: evidence from Egypt," International Journal of Disclosure and Governance, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 18(4), pages 362-377, December.
    10. Joseph P. H. Fan & T.J. Wong, 2001. "Do External Auditors Perform a Corporate Governance Role in Emerging Markets? Evidence from East Asia," William Davidson Institute Working Papers Series 400, William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan.
    11. Manhwa Wu & Paoyu Huang & Yensen Ni, 2020. "The Impact of Institutional Shareholdings on Price Limits," Asia-Pacific Financial Markets, Springer;Japanese Association of Financial Economics and Engineering, vol. 27(3), pages 343-361, September.
    12. Johan Eklund & Johanna Palmberg & Daniel Wiberg, 2013. "Inherited corporate control and returns on investment," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 41(2), pages 419-431, August.
    13. Bansal, Shashank & Thenmozhi, M., 2020. "Does Concentrated Founder Ownership Affect Related Party Transactions? Evidence from an Emerging Economy," Research in International Business and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 53(C).
    14. Burkart, Mike & Panunzi, Fausto, 2006. "Agency conflicts, ownership concentration, and legal shareholder protection," Journal of Financial Intermediation, Elsevier, vol. 15(1), pages 1-31, January.
    15. Attiya Y. Javid & Robina Iqbal, 2010. "Corporate Governance in Pakistan : Corporate Valuation, Ownership and Financing," Governance Working Papers 22830, East Asian Bureau of Economic Research.
    16. Hu, Gang & Liu, Yiye & Wang, Jacqueline Wenjie & Zhou, Gaoguang & Zhu, Xindong, 2022. "Insider ownership and stock price crash risk around the globe," Pacific-Basin Finance Journal, Elsevier, vol. 72(C).
    17. Schmid, Thomas & Ampenberger, Markus & Kaserer, Christoph & Achleitner, Ann-Kristin, 2010. "Controlling shareholders and payout policy: do founding families have a special 'taste for dividends'?," CEFS Working Paper Series 2010-01, Technische Universität München (TUM), Center for Entrepreneurial and Financial Studies (CEFS).
    18. Bushman, Robert M. & Smith, Abbie J., 2001. "Financial accounting information and corporate governance," Journal of Accounting and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 32(1-3), pages 237-333, December.
    19. Marc Essen & J. Oosterhout & Michael Carney, 2012. "Corporate boards and the performance of Asian firms: A meta-analysis," Asia Pacific Journal of Management, Springer, vol. 29(4), pages 873-905, December.
    20. Andrei Shleifer & Florencio Lopez-de-Silanes & Rafael La Porta, 2008. "The Economic Consequences of Legal Origins," Journal of Economic Literature, American Economic Association, vol. 46(2), pages 285-332, June.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:pal:ijodag:v:20:y:2023:i:3:d:10.1057_s41310-023-00175-7. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Sonal Shukla or Springer Nature Abstracting and Indexing (email available below). General contact details of provider: http://www.palgrave.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.