This study attempts to understand the organizational drivers of internal audit effectiveness in the light of recent changes in the 'mission' of internal auditing and its central role in corporate governance. On the basis of data from 153 Italian companies, our survey shows that the effectiveness of internal auditing is influenced by: (1) the characteristics of the internal audit team, (2) the audit processes and activities, and (3) the organizational links. Internal audit effectiveness increases in particular when the ratio between the number of internal auditors and employees grows, the Chief Audit Executive is affiliated to the Institute of Internal Auditors, the company adopts control risk self-assessment techniques, and the audit committee is involved in the activities of the internal auditors.

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Over the past twenty years, the issue of performance measurement in Social Enterprises (SEs) has gained increasing relevance among researchers and practitioners. From an academic perspective, there has been an explosion in methodologies and tools for assessing social performance and impact, but with little systematic analysis and comparison across different approaches. From a practitioner perspective, SEs needs to start measuring their performances in a systemic way, in order to support decision-making and ensure accountability towards their stakeholders. In this context, this paper aims to contribute to the state of the art literature by developing an approach that could be applied to / by SEs to measure their results with respect to social, environmental and economic impacts. The proposed approach consists in a 'general' PMS model for SEs-i.e. the performance dimensions that should be measured-and a stepwise method to be used by SEs to develop their own PMS. For sake of clarification, the proposed approach is applied to the case of an Italian SE competing in the energy sector to develop a set of key performance indicators.

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Purpose -To describe the main characteristics of Internal Audit Departments in six Italian companies and investigate the influence of enacted regulations on their development. Design/methodology/approach -The research has been carried out through a multiple case study, which compared the Internal Audit Departments of six Italian companies, gathering evidence by interviews with chief internal auditors, by obtaining examples of internal audit reports, policy documents and corporate briefing notes. Findings -The range of situations considered highlighted the diversity in Internal Audit Department characteristics, confirming the relevance of institutional pressures, but also providing evidence of the influence of additional elements in their development.Research limitations/implications -Results provided by this research cannot be regarded as generally applicable or generalizable, although this study should contribute to the development of a deeper understanding of the characteristics of Internal Audit Departments. Practical implications -This paper highlights some elements which can influence the development of Internal Audit Department characteristics, with a focus on value added activities. Originality/value -This paper has referred to institutional theory to examine the development of Internal Audit Departments and provides a valuable framework for future research. Further it provides evidence of different structural characteristics and factors which can influence companies' choices in the development and support of their Internal Audit Departments.