Purpose This paper aims to examine the effect of top management support (TMS) and risk management (RM) on the internal audit activities (IAA) and fraud mitigation (FM) in the Libyan banking sector. Design/methodology/approach The data is collected using a survey questionnaire of 16 commercial banks in Libya and analysed using a structural equation modeling. Findings The study shows positive and significant relationships between RM and employees’ FM and TMS and employees’ FM. The study also demonstrates a significant mediating effect on the relationship between RM, TMS and FM. Research limitations/implications The study is conducted in the Libyan banking sector. Further research is needed in other contexts and sectors to understand the contribution of the RM and TMS on FM, including the impact of technology and internal audit characteristics in terms of experience, education and professional certificates on FM. Originality/value The study is the first attempt to explore FM in an emerging economy, particularly Libya, by introducing IAA as a mediator. The study provides implications for regulators and top management in the banking sector.

Purpose This paper provides a theoretical foundation and conceptual framework to explain the interactions among risk management (RM), top management support (TMS), and internal audit activities (IAA) to achieve internal control quality (ICQ). Design/methodology/approach A review of the extant literature in RM, auditing and management control is conducted to develop and establish theoretical relationships. Findings In this work, interconnectedness among organisational factors is discussed by drawing on contingency theory to provide the theoretical logic and support the conceptual framework. Research limitations/implications Although this work illustrates the significance of the moderation effect of TMS and the mediation effect of IAA to link RM processes with the quality of internal controls, limitations exist, as the study is conceptual and lacks empirical evidence. The paper emphasises education and training on RM and internal audit to address emerging issues and arising challenges in RM and ICQ. Originality/value The paper extends the existing literature in the area of ICQ, which is discussed extensively in developed contexts. However, studies on ICQ in emerging economics, specifically the Middle East and North Africa region, which suffers from high levels of corruption, and asset misappropriation cases are limited. Hence, this work is important because it addresses under-researched issues in relation to ICQ in an attempt to develop a conceptual framework from the available and most effective organisational factors to attain better ICQ.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore and provide insights into corruption and the control procedures from an Islamic perspective. Design/methodology/approach This paper adopts qualitative research approach using the holy Quran as a primary source and hadith of the Prophet Mohammed supported by the anecdotes of his companions as a secondary source and prior literature. Findings This paper offers an Islamic taxonomy of corruption that contains economic, managerial, financial, political, environmental, social and ethical corruption which is explicitly prohibited because of their consequence on societies. Islam establishes proactive, preventive, detecting and reactive procedures to control corruption and prescribes how to avoid its harmful consequences. The paper also reveals significant concepts in relation to individuals’ qualities that if taken care of, better chances to reduce corruption and better living conditions can be accomplished. Research limitations/implications The paper recommends means to the business community through providing managerial and practical procedures which can be used for limiting corruption effectively. However, this piece of work provides further explanations on corruption to improve our understanding on such a phenomenon and contributes to the literature from the perspective of Islam point of view. Originality/value The paper contributes to the debate on corruption, human, religion and control from an Islamic point of view, which is lacking. This paper finds evidence that loss of belief is a situational factor that leads to corrupt acts. Also, moral teaching in early ages is necessary for inner and self-control. Moral renovation is an influential factor that keeps individuals motivated and refrain from indulging into corrupt acts.