W. Robert Knechel

Bio: W. Robert Knechel is an academic researcher from University of Florida. The author has contributed to research in topics: Audit & Joint audit. The author has an hindex of 44, co-authored 105 publications receiving 7633 citations. Previous affiliations of W. Robert Knechel include University of Auckland & University of Kentucky.

Audit Fees: A Meta-analysis of the Effect of Supply and Demand Attributes*

Abstract: We evaluate and summarize the large body of audit fee research and use meta-analysis to test the combined effect of the most commonly used independent variables. The perspective provided by the meta-analysis allows us to reconsider the anomalies, mixed results, and gaps in audit fee research. We find that, although many independent variables have consistent results, several show no clear pattern to the results and others only show significant results in certain periods or particular countries. These variables include a loss by the client and leverage, which have become significant in comparatively recent studies; internal auditing and governance, both of which have mixed results; auditor specialization, regarding which there is still some uncertainty; and the audit opinion, which was a significant variable before 1990 but not in more recent studies.

Audit Quality: Insights from the Academic Literature

Abstract: This study presents a review of academic research on audit quality. We begin with a review of existing definitions of audit quality and describe general frameworks for establishing audit quality. Next, we summarize research on indicators of audit quality, such as inputs, process, and outcomes. Finally, we offer some suggestions for future research. The study should be useful to academics interested in audit quality as well as to the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) and other regulators.

Additional Evidence on Audit Report Lag

Abstract: The process for providing accounting information to the public has not changed much in the last century even though the extent of disclosure has increased signifi‐cantly. Sundem et al. (1996) suggest that the primary benefit of audited financial statements may not be decision usefulness but the discipline imposed by timely confirmation of previously available information. In general, the value of information from the audited financial statement will decline as the audit report lag (the time period between a company's fiscal year end and the date of the audit report) increases since competitively oriented users may obtain substitute sources of information. Furthermore, the literature on earnings quality and earnings management suggests that unexpected reporting delays may be associated with lower quality information. The purpose of this paper is to extend our understanding about the determinants of audit report lag using a proprietary database containing 226 audit engagements from an international public a...

Audit Quality: Insights from the Academic Literature

Abstract: SUMMARY: This study presents a review of academic research on audit quality. We begin with a review of existing definitions of audit quality and describe general frameworks for establishing audit ...

The relationship between auditor tenure and audit quality implied by going concern opinions

Abstract: The debate continues about the relationship between auditor tenure and audit quality in spite of extensive empirical evidence examining audit failures, earnings management, and the issuance of auditor's opinions. Most recent evidence suggests that long auditor tenure does not have a negative impact on audit quality. However, most of the available evidence has been accumulated based on publicly listed companies in the U.S. We examine the effect of auditor tenure on audit quality for private companies in Belgium, an environment where we believe auditor tenure is more likely to have a negative effect on audit quality. We use the likelihood of an auditor issuing a going concern opinion as an indicator of audit quality. Using a sample of stressed bankrupt companies, and stressed nonbankrupt companies, the results indicate that auditors do not become less independent over time nor do they become better at predicting bankruptcy. In balance, the evidence for tenure either increasing or decreasing quality is weak.

The iron cage revisited: Institutional isomorphism and collective rationality in organizational fields (Chinese Translation)

Abstract: What makes organizations so similar? We contend that the engine of rationalization and bureaucratization has moved from the competitive marketplace to the state and the professions. Once a set of organizations emerges as a field, a paradox arises: rational actors make their organizations increasingly similar as they try to change them. We describe three isomorphic processes-coercive, mimetic, and normative—leading to this outcome. We then specify hypotheses about the impact of resource centralization and dependency, goal ambiguity and technical uncertainty, and professionalization and structuration on isomorphic change. Finally, we suggest implications for theories of organizations and social change.

Toyota production system : beyond large-scale production

Abstract: * Starting from Need* Evolution of the Toyota Production System* Further Development* Genealogy of the Toyota Production System* The True Intention of the Ford System* Surviving the Low-Growth Period

A Review of Archival Auditing Research

Abstract: We define higher audit quality as greater assurance of high financial reporting quality. Researchers use many proxies for audit quality, with little guidance on choosing among them. We provide a framework for systematically evaluating their unique strengths and weaknesses. Because it is inextricably intertwined with financial reporting quality, audit quality also depends on firms’ innate characteristics and financial reporting systems. Our review of the models commonly used to disentangle these constructs suggests the need for better conceptual guidance. Finally, we urge more research on the role of auditor and client competency in driving audit quality.