3.2 Audit quality and its determinants
In examining the utility of independent audits, extant studies in the literature
commonly use agency theory (e.g. DeAngelo, 1981; Watts and Zimmerman, 1983).
External audits play an important role due to their independent examinations on
financial statements published by management. The audits make such statements
reliable to be referred to by various groups of stakeholders, including shareholders and
potential investors. Hence, in the corporate governance perspective, independent audits
provide bonding or monitoring mechanisms to mitigate agency conflicts or reduce
agency costs.