Examination of Ethical and Professional Conduct of Lebanese External Auditors

Abstract

This article proposes to analyze the ethical reasoning of Lebanese external auditors with regard to the extent of their compliance with the code of professional conduct. As part of a positivist epistemological format, a quantitative methodology was employed. The data were collected using semi-directive survey that was sent to 250 Lebanese external auditors. The final sample consisted of 207 Lebanese external auditors for which we used correlation and logistic regression. The results reveal that because of an economic dependance on their clients, Lebanese external auditors demonstrate an inability to remain independent. This limits compliance with the code of professional conduct and thus negatively affects the quality of audit work. This study adds to the sparse literature found in developing countries that highlight the behavior of Lebanese external auditors with respect to professional conduct, which has always been considered sensitive and complex.