Presenting model audit report credibility: a qualitative approach

Subject Areas : Accounting

Masoud Kiani Deh Kiani ¹ , Ali Jafari ² , Maryam Farhadi ³

1 - Department of Accounting, Mobarakeh Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mobarakeh, Iran.
2 - Department of Accounting, Bonab Branch, Islamic Azad university, Bonab, Iran. (
3 - Department of Accounting, Mobarakeh Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mobarakeh, Iran.

Received: 2024-04-13 Accepted : 2024-11-25 Published : 2024-12-23

Keywords: Credibility of Audit Reports, Grounded Theory, Independent Auditing, Model,

Abstract :

Objective: Analyzing stakeholders' informational needs reveals that their primary and fundamental requirement in the domain of financial information is to ensure the reliability of the auditing process and the credibility of the audit report. This need is met when auditing procedures are conducted with the necessary and sufficient quality. Accordingly, the objective of this study is to present, for the first time, a model for audit report credibility.

Research Methodology: This study employs a qualitative approach and is fundamental in nature. From a methodological perspective, it is a descriptive survey and, in terms of time dimension, a cross-sectional study. The statistical population consists of experts in the auditing profession. The required data were collected through in-depth and semi-structured interviews using theoretical sampling in the year 2023 and analyzed using the systematic grounded theory approach with MAXQDA software.

Findings: The results led to the development of an audit report credibility model within a paradigmatic framework, indicating that three factors—environmental conditions, audit quality, and individual characteristics—affect audit report credibility. The primary outcome of this process is the added value of auditing.

Originality/Scientific Contribution: The credibility of audit reports is crucial for investors, stock exchanges, organizations, and other institutions, as it helps them make more informed decisions with greater confidence. This credibility is influenced by various factors and has significant implications. Therefore, to achieve a more comprehensive understanding of the subject, the audit report credibility model has been examined from multiple dimensions.

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