An analysis of recent accounting and auditing failures in the United States on US accounting and auditing in China
Abstract
Purpose
Seeks to analyze the impact of recent accounting and auditing failures in the USA on US accounting and auditing in China, focusing on the practice of guanxi – the networks of informal relationships and exchanges of favors that dominate all business and social activities in Chinese societies.
Design/methodology/approach
Examines Chinese culture and uses historical precedents and parallels with Japanese culture to predict potential accounting and auditing problems.
Findings
Determines that guanxi has the potential to undermine the high standards of auditor independence, audit quality, and ethical behavior to which auditors must adhere.
Research limitations/implications
The review of Chinese culture and list of historical precedents is not exhaustive, and the standards are all US, which perhaps limits its usefulness elsewhere.
Practical implications
A very useful source of information on Chinese business behavior as it impacts accountants and auditors.
Originality/value
Enables policy makers and professional accountants to anticipate and predict how guanxi may threaten the progress made in improving financial management and reporting, and may undermine auditor independence, audit quality, and the quality of financial reporting.
Keywords
Citation
Hwang, D.B.K. and Blair Staley, A. (2005), "An analysis of recent accounting and auditing failures in the United States on US accounting and auditing in China", Managerial Auditing Journal, Vol. 20 No. 3, pp. 227-234. https://doi.org/10.1108/02686900510585573
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2005, Emerald Group Publishing Limited