Measuring the impact of code of ethics on the quality of auditors’ professional judgment

Abstract

The quality of decisions and judgment made by auditors has been a subject that has raised a lot of concerns regarding the auditors’ ability to detect and eliminate any errors in financial samples. This study examined the impact of code of ethics on the quality of auditors’ professional judgment in the case of Jordan. A total sample size of 150 auditors in Jordan was selected to investigate the study phenomenon, out of 150 auditor’s 142 auditors’ responded successfully. The questionnaire method of data collection was preferred in this case for its suitability in collecting personal opinions, experiences and outcomes. Regression analysis and advanced spread sheet were used to analyse the collected data. The study found out that different aspects of auditors have varied influences on their ability to detect any incorrect information in accounting statements. For example, it was evident that the integrity, objectivity and independence of auditors are weakly correlated with the ability to notice the incorrect financial information. However, the study discovered that all ethical aspects of audit profession such as the rules governing the rights to advertising, determination of commission, organizations’ name and form, as well as contingent fees have significant impact on auditor’s capacity to identify financial statements’ misrepresentation.