In this study, we examine the relation between audit committee independence and
auditor reporting behavior. More specifically, we consider the relation between: (1) the
percentage of audit committee members affiliated with a company (i.e., directors who lack
independence) experiencing financial distress, and (2) the likelihood that the auditor will
issue a going-concern report. Affiliated directors include current or former officers or
employees of the company or of a related entity, relatives of management, professional
advisors to the company (e.g., consultants, bank officers, legal counsel), officers of
significant suppliers or customers of the company, and interlocking directors.