A Framework for Assessing the Impact of Auditor Independence
on Audit Quality
In our framework shown in Figure 1, we offer four dimensions with which to assess the
impact of auditor independence on audit quality. These four dimensions, representing four
threats to independence, are (a) client importance, (b) non-audit services, (c) auditor tenure,
and (d) client affiliation with audit firms. Although these threats would normally reduce
independence, they also have some effect on the capabilities of the auditor 5 Therefore, the impact of the four threats on the quality of audits and financial reports is determined by
their net effect on auditor capabilities and auditor independence.
Meanwhile, auditors and clients are likely to have different incentives, resulting in differing
perceptions of auditor independence and its effects. For example, auditors are less
concerned than non-auditors about the independence problem caused by non-audit services
(Beaulieu & Reinstein, 2010). These incentives and perceptions cause the behavior of auditors
and clients, as well as the threats to independence, to differ among firms.
In the following literature review, we dedicate one section to each threat. We review the
evidence regarding the incentives, perceptions, and behaviors of the auditor and the client, and
the effects of each threat on the actual and perceived quality of audit and financial reports.