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Of paradigms and metaphors in auditing thought

Author

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  • MARK W. DIRSMITH
  • MARK A. COVALESKI
  • JOHN P. MCALLISTER

Abstract

. Assumptions serve as the basis from which we reason and therefore pervasively influence the nature of our understanding of any substantive area. Auditing is no exception. Yet, the core assumptions that underlie auditing thought have largely been left unexamined. The purpose of this paper is to examine the core ontological assumptions, (assumptions as to the primitive elements of what constitutes reality), and epistemological assumptions, (assumptions as to how knowledge is attained), that underlie contemporary auditing thought. It is concluded: 1) that auditing is characterized by an overwhelming domination of a functionalist paradigm, which views reality as concrete and objective (rather than uncertain and subjective) and which emphasizes a regularized, patterned existence (rather than one characterized by intrinsic tension and contradiction); and 2) that this paradigm ultimately influences and constrains our understanding of auditing. Alternative paradigms are used to examine the concepts of audit evidence and auditor consensus to dramatize the effects of making alternative assumptions of reality. Implications for practitioners and for researchers are also explored. Résumé. Les hypothèses servent de fondement à nos raisonnements et par conséquent, influencent l'essence de notre compréhension de tout domaine. La vérification n'est pas une exception et les hypothèses essentielles qui sous†tendent la pensée en vérification, n'ont pas vraiment été examinées. L'objectif de cet article est d'examiner les hypothèses essentielles ontologiques (hypothèses concernant les éléments primitifs de ce qui constitue la réalité) et les hypothèses épistémologiques (hypothèses relatives au comment de l'atteinte de la connaissance) qui sous†tendent la pensée contemporaine en vérification. On y conclut: 1) que la vérification est caractérisée par une domination écrasante d'un paradigme fonctionnel qui voit la réalité comme étant concrète et objective (plutôt qu'incertaine et subjective) et qui met l'emphase sur une existence régularisée et modelée (plutôt qu'une existence caractérisée par la contradiction et une tension intrinsèque); et 2) que ce paradigme influence et contraint ultimement notre compréhension de la vérification. Des paradigmes alternatifs sont utilisés pour examiner les concepts d'information probante et de consensus du vérificateur afin de dramatiser les effets d'utiliser des hypothèses alternatives de la réalité. Les implications pour les practiciens et les chercheurs sont également considérées.

Suggested Citation

  • Mark W. Dirsmith & Mark A. Covaleski & John P. Mcallister, 1985. "Of paradigms and metaphors in auditing thought," Contemporary Accounting Research, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 2(1), pages 46-68, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:coacre:v:2:y:1985:i:1:p:46-68
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1911-3846.1985.tb00606.x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Fischer, Michael J., 1996. ""Real-izing" the benefits of new technologies as a source of audit evidence: An interpretive field study," Accounting, Organizations and Society, Elsevier, vol. 21(2-3), pages 219-242.

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