4.3 Previous Studies
This sub-section sheds the light on the empirical studies which attempted to identify the relationship between the
agency cost and NAS, the determinants of Non- audit fees and the threats to auditor independence when
performing NAS.
Abbott et al. (2003) studied the relationship between non-audit services fees and audit committee using a sample
of 538 firms, for the period between February 5, 2001 and June 30, 2001. The results of the study revealed that
companies with independent director in the audit committee are likely to have lower NAS fee ratios.
Ghosh and Pawlewicz (2009) examined whether audit fees after Sarbanes Oxley Act (SOX) increases due to
increase in both fees and effort. Data collected from Audit Analytics database to collect fees for 23273 firm
observations in Compustat for the period 2000-2005. The result of the study confirmed positive relationship
between leverage and Demand for NAS. Additionally, the results concluded that the Big 4 audit firms increased
their audit fees more than their smaller firms.
Ye et al. (2011) examined the association of a comprehensive set of client relationship bond (audit firm tenure,
audit engagement partner tenure and long duration director-auditor relationships) with the level of non-audit
services. This study analyzed a data of firms using a sample of 626 firms listed in the Australian Stock Exchange
for the year 2002. The results of the study found insignificant relationship for both ownership dispersion and
leverage on the demand for NAS. Additionally, they found a positive relationship between closer auditor- client
relationships and NAS was moderated by the level of agency cost.
Ibrahim and Samad (2011) aimed to compare corporate governance and performance between family and
non-family ownership of Malaysian listed companies; it also examined the governance mechanisms as a tool in
monitoring agency costs. In order to achieve the above objectives, a sample of 292 companies listed in the main
board of the Bursa, for years (1999-2005) was used. The results of the study concluded that firm value is lower
in family firms than non-family firms, while board size, independent director and role duality have a significant
impact on firm performance of the in family firms as compared to non-family firms. Additionally, the results
confirmed that governance mechanisms have significant impact on agency costs for both family and non-family
firms.
Quick et al. (2013) studied the impact of agency costs on the demand for non-audit services (NAS) in Germany;
it used a sample of 323 listed firms in Germany Stock Exchange for many segments for the years 2005, 2006 and
2007. The results found that none of alternative proxies for agency conflicts (ownership composition,
performance-based management compensation, and leverage) were significantly associated with demand for
NAS.
Dobker (2014) examined whether the existence of non-audit services implies threat on auditor independence for
368 listed and family companies in Germany. The results of the study provided weak evidence that non-audit
services affect auditor independence. Further, comparative results between listed and family companies revealed
that threat is more relevant in family companies rather than listed companies.