this study. we examine the relation between audit committee independence and auditor reporting behavior. For companies experiencing financial distress, we consider the relation between
1. the percentage of audit committee members affiliated with the company
2. the likelihood that the auditor will issue a going-concern report.
Affiliated directors include current of former officers or employees of the company or of a related entity, relatives of management, professional advisors to the company, officers of significant suppliers of customers of the company, and interlocking directors.