While the empirical literature has identified a benefit from both industry- and task-based
experience, prior research is inconclusive as to the relative benefit of each. Research byThibodeau
(2003) found that task experience gained within a specialist industry setting enhances the
performance of specialists undertaking that task when working outside their industry. By contrast,
Moroney (2007)reports that task-based experience did not impact the performance of
industry-specialist auditors over and above the benefit of industry specialization. Research
investigating the relative influence of industry- and task-based experience using industry-specialist
auditors lacks external validity because task-based experience is predominantly gained within a
single industry setting.