Effect of audit committee effectiveness on corporate governance practices: Evidence from regulatory authorities in Tanzania

Abstract

This paper examines the effect of audit committee effectiveness on the corporate governance practices of regulatory authorities in Tanzania. Data was collected from 18 regulatory authorities, using a random sample of 241 respondents out of 362 eligible participants consisting of board members, management, accountants, and auditors. A structured survey questionnaire with a 5-Likert scale was used. Data analysis was performed using the IBM SPSS software, with a structural equation modeling technique consisting of confirmatory factor analysis to analyze the relationships between independent and dependent variables. The validity and reliability of the survey instrument and collected data were tested and found to be within acceptable limits. The study found that audit committee effectiveness is positively associated with the corporate governance practices of regulatory authorities in Tanzania, with the audit committee advisory role significantly contributing to the audit committee characteristics. The study recommends establishing robust policies on corporate governance practices, particularly establishing the National Corporate Governance Codes to enhance the audit committee's governance role. The Government, policymakers, scholars, boards, audit committees, and other stakeholders may use these results to enhance the practical roles of audit committees. The practical implication of the study includes the urgent need for Tanzania to establish the National Corporate Governance Codes, building capacity for audit committee members, enhancing collaboration between internal auditors and external auditors, and strengthening corporate governance oversight mechanisms. This research is the original work of the authors and has not been studied elsewhere.