Internal audit quality, punitive measures and accountability in Ugandan statutory corporations
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Date
2021
Authors
Nalukenge, Irene
Kigongo Kaawaase, Twaha
Bananuka, Juma
Ogwal, Peter F.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Journal of Economic and Administrative Sciences
Abstract
This study aims to (1) examine the contribution of internal audit quality, punitive measures to
accountability in statutory corporations in developing countries such as Uganda and (2) test whether internal
audit quality mediates the relationship between punitive measures and accountability in Uganda’s statutory
corporations.
Design/methodology/approach – This study is cross-sectional and correlational. Data were collected
through a questionnaire survey conducted for 82 statutory corporations. The study’s unit of analysis was a
statutory corporation. Chief Internal Auditors and Chief Finance Officers were the study’s unit of inquiry. Data
were analyzed through correlation coefficients and linear regression using Statistical Package for Social
Sciences.
Findings – The results suggest that internal audit quality and punitive measures independently predict
accountability. However, punitive measures do not predict accountability in the presence of internal audit
quality. Results further indicate that internal audit quality mediates the relationship between punitive
measures and accountability in Uganda’s statutory corporations.
Originality/value – This study confirms internal audit quality (a preventive measure) as a significant
predictor of accountability in statutory corporations relative to punitive measures. To achieve accountability,
more emphasis thus needs to be put on preventive mechanisms than on punitive mechanisms. This study also
enhances our understanding of the relationship between punitive measures, internal audit quality and
accountability. In this study, we arrive at new evidence on the mediating role of internal audit quality in the
relationship between punitive measures and accountability in Uganda’s statutory corporations.
Description
Keywords
Accountability, Punitive measures, Internal audit quality, Statutory corporation, Uganda
Citation
Nalukenge, I., Kaawaase, T. K., Bananuka, J., & Ogwal, P. F. (2021). Internal audit quality, punitive measures and accountability in Ugandan statutory corporations. Journal of Economic and Administrative Sciences.