The results of the study showed that external auditors believe that management engages
significantly only in legitimate EM that either increases or decreases income. However, internal
auditors believe that management engages in legitimate practices that only increase income. In both
cases, there were significant differences between their views. There is no significant difference
between large and small companies regarding EM practices. However, the characteristics of internal
governance structure have a significant effect on illegitimate EM, whereas no significant effect was
found on legitimate EM.