In an operational audit, the internal auditors discovered an increase in absenteeism. Accordingly, the chief audit executive decided to identify information about workforce morale. To achieve this engagement objective, the internal auditors must understand that
A. Morale cannot be reliably analyzed.
B. Only outcomes that are directly quantifiable can be reliably analyzed.
C. Reliable information may be obtained about morale factors such as job satisfaction.
D. Morale is always proportional to compensation.
Answer (c) is correct.
REQUIRED: The true statement about workforce morale.
DISCUSSION: Reliable information is the best information attainable through the use of appropriate engagement techniques (Inter. Std. 2310). Such information need not consist only of quantifiable outcomes, such as rates of workforce turnover and absenteeism. Reliable information may be identified about such difficult-to-measure things as attitudes toward supervisors, other workers, and compensation. For example, surveys may produce statistically valid information about job satisfaction.
Answer (A) is incorrect. Difficulty of analysis does not preclude reliability.
Answer (B) is incorrect. With proper engagement tools, even emotional responses may be measured and analyzed reliably.
Answer (D) is incorrect. According to research and common human experience, the availability of, for example, intrinsic awards (e.g., personal achievement) may offset a low level of extrinsic awards (e.g., compensation).