Practice Guide: Independence and Objectivity
Guidance | September 15, 2011
Copyright Notice We are excited to share this publication with you. However, keep in mind that all content – including text, images, tables, and graphics – is protected by international copyright laws. You are welcome to reference or quote small portions of this document with proper attribution to The IIA, but unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or use beyond that other than for your own personal use is strictly prohibited and may constitute a violation of copyright law resulting in civil and criminal penalties. If you would like to request permission to use our materials or have questions, please email copyright@theiia.org.
The importance of independence and objectivity, which has always been significant for internal auditors, continues to increase among the challenges facing internal audit activities in the constantly changing business environment. An ever-growing number of stakeholders, both inside and outside an organization, continue to demand greater transparency, increased disclosures, expanded internal audit services, increased professionalism, improved coordination among internal and external auditors, greater responsibilities, and more accountability from internal audit professionals. This practice guide was developed to address these changes and increased expectations.
The purpose of this practice guide is to:
- Highlight IIA guidance on independence and objectivity.
- Discuss potentially confusing aspects encompassing independence and objectivity.
- Identify activities that support independence and objectivity.
- Identify various considerations and potential challenges related to independence and objectivity.
- Provide frameworks for managing independence and objectivity.