21. When conducting interviews during the early stages of an internal auditing engagement, it is more effective to
A. Ask for specific answers that can be quantified.
B. Ask people about their jobs.
C. Ask surprise questions about daily procedures.
D. Take advantage of the fact that fear is an important part of the engagement.
Answer (B) is correct.
REQUIRED: The most effective way to conduct interviews during the early stages of an engagement.
DISCUSSION: To improve internal auditor-client cooperation, the internal auditor should, to the extent feasible, humanize the engagement process. For example, individuals fee more important being asked people-type questions, such as asking people about their jobs, rather than control-type questions.
Answer (A) is incorrect. Later field work will cover information that can be quantified. Building rapport is more important in the early interviews.
Answer (C) is incorrect. Unless fraud is suspected or the engagement concerns cash or negotiable securities, the more effective approach is to defuse the engagement client anxiety that results from anticipating the engagement.
Answer (D) is incorrect. Although engagement client fear is a natural part of anticipating the engagement, the internal auditor should keep it from playing an important role by using good interpersonal skills to build a positive, participative relationship with the engagement client.