Internal audit functions and sustainability audits: Insights from manufacturing firms

Amoako, Gilbert K.; Bawuah, Jonas; Asafo-Adjei, Emmanuel; Ayimbire, Catherine Article Internal audit functions and sustainability audits: Insights from manufacturing firms Cogent Business & Management Provided in Cooperation with: Taylor & Francis Group Suggested Citation: Amoako, Gilbert K.; Bawuah, Jonas; Asafo-Adjei, Emmanuel; Ayimbire, Catherine (2023) : Internal audit functions and sustainability audits: Insights from manufacturing firms, Cogent Business & Management, ISSN 2331-1975, Taylor & Francis, Abingdon, Vol. 10, Iss. 1, pp. 1-21, https://doi.org/10.1080/23311975.2023.2192313 This Version is available at: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/294342 Standard-Nutzungsbedingungen: Die Dokumente auf EconStor dürfen zu eigenen wissenschaftlichen Zwecken und zum Privatgebrauch gespeichert und kopiert werden. Sie dürfen die Dokumente nicht für öffentliche oder kommerzielle Zwecke vervielfältigen, öffentlich ausstellen, öffentlich zugänglich machen, vertreiben oder anderweitig nutzen. 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This open access article is distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC-BY) 4.0 license. Published online: 19 Mar 2023. Submit your article to this journal Article views: 4234 View related articles View Crossmark data Citing articles: 3 View citing articles ACCOUNTING, CORPORATE GOVERNANCE & BUSINESS ETHICS | RESEARCH ARTICLE Internal audit functions and sustainability audits: Insights from manufacturing firms Gilbert K. Amoako 1 , Jonas Bawuah 1 , Emmanuel Asafo-Adjei 2 * and Catherine Ayimbire 3 Abstract: We examined the nexus between four internal audit functions (IAF) and sustainability audits (SA) of manufacturing firms. The specific IAF employed in this study were; risk management practices (RMP), sustainability sensitivity (SS), internal audit effectiveness (IAE) and enactments, policies, standards, systems and procedures (EPS). In line with the four measures of IAE, the study puts forward to investigate four research hypotheses. The explanatory research design and quantitative research approach were applied to achieve the study’s objective. A sample of 1340 managers of SMEs were invited to complete a standard questionnaire based on extensive evaluations of prior empirical investigations. The samples were chosen using a straightforward random process from a population of 2495 manufacturing companies. The results were estimated using the partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) method. Findings from the study divulged that internal audit effectiveness, risk management process and sustainability sensitivity had significant positive relationship with sustainability audits. It is important for the creation of an audit department, the hiring of a permanent internal auditor, the provision of suitable logistics, the training of personnel on the value of internal audit, and the use of internal auditing standards and principles in the report-writing process for an enhanced sustainability audit. Subjects: Accounting History; Auditing; Financial Accounting; Small Business Management Keywords: Internal audit effectiveness; partial least squares; risk management practices; sustainability audits; sustainability sensitivity JEL Classifications: M4; M41; M42; Q56 1. Introduction A company’s value system and ethical business practices are the foundation for corporate sustainability (DeSimone et al., 2021). According to research (Alsayegh et al., 2020; Vieira & Radonjič, 2020), firms participate in sustainability activities and reporting to promote brand value, reputation, and legitimacy, signal competitiveness, inspire workers, and help control processes. Such action is becoming more widely acknowledged as a significant aspect in corporate sustainability (Alsayegh et al., 2020). According to DeSimone et al. (2021), sustainability reporting is becoming more and more important to firms’ global reporting procedures. Despite an increase in demand for assurance to increase credibility therein (DeSimone et al., 2021) and a growth in the literature documenting the expansion of sustainability activities (Imasiku et al., 2020; Swann & Deslatte, 2019), assurance of sustainability is still in its infancy. According to previous studies, many CEOs anticipate internal auditors to ensure sustainability in Amoako et al., Cogent Business & Management (2023), 10: 2192313 https://doi.org/10.1080/23311975.2023.2192313 Page 1 of 21 Received: 14 February 2023 Accepted: 14 March 2023 *Corresponding author: Emmanuel Asafo-Adjei, Department of Finance, School of Business, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana E-mail: [email protected] Reviewing editor: Collins G. Ntim, Accounting, University of Southampton, UNITED KINGDOM Additional information is available at the end of the article © 2023 The Author(s). This open access article is distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC-BY) 4.0 license. order to lower the risk of legal liabilities for environmental wrongdoing and unfavorable public perceptions of unsustainable operations (Corazza et al., 2020; Hoffman, 2018). Additionally, there is an increasing understanding that sustainability assurance enhances sustainability management and reporting systems by fostering internal organizational change and improvement as well as external transparency (Kiesnere & Baumgartner, 2019). Internal audit functions (IAFs) can add value to their firm by enhancing risk management and developing a deeper comprehension of new concerns, like sustainability. Examining the effects of internal audit function elements such risk assessment, companies’ sensitive environments, internal audit effectiveness, and enactments, policies, standards, systems and procedures in sustainability audits is the primary goal of this study. This is significant because earlier study (DeSimone et al., 2021) emphasises organizational characteristics and external assurance while acknowledging the value of auditing sustainability activity and reporting. However, the research is limited in how it addresses corporate internal contextual factors that result in the voluntary assurance of sustainability strategies, programs, and reporting (Corazza et al., 2020; Hoffman, 2018). It also does not address whether IAFs are involved in the audit of sustainability activities and effectiveness (Boiral et al., 2019; Trotman & Trotman, 2015). Although some qualitative studies have more completely studied the internal setting, they are nevertheless constrained by factors like country (Eulerich & Eulerich, 2020; Plant et al., 2019). It is important to conduct a study on variables that affect IAFs’ volunteer sustainability assurance because research has shown that stakeholder demands are the primary driver of sustainability assurance activities (Cohen & Simnett, 2015; Soh & Martinov-bennie, 2018). According to studies (Clarkson et al., 2019; García-sánchez et al., 2019), the need to increase the credibility of the information published in these reports is the primary driver behind an organization’s decision to request the assurance of external sustainability reports. The assurance of sustainability reporting can be handled by multiple parties, and multiple parties may be involved (Braam & Peeters, 2018). Since external stakeholders may view internal assurance as less independent and more likely to be a window-dressing approach than external assurance, businesses are likely to favor external assurance rather than internal assurance in this process of establishing trust and credibility. This does not negate the need of IAFs in ensuring sustainability operations and reporting. The IAFs as a source of sustainability audits for industrial companies are the main subject of this study. It is recognised that IAF involvement in sustainability assurance may complement external assurance rather than serve as a replacement for it. The study also advances prior research on elements that strengthen internal auditors’ contributions to enhancing organizations’ sustainability management systems (Brunelli & DiCarlo, 2020; Marrucci & Daddi, 2022; Samagaio & Diogo, 2022; Shonhadji & Maulidi, 2022). This is important since many stakeholders point out that by identifying these elements, the IAF may play a more active role. This may include a role of a consultant and a guarantor of the organization’s sustainability measures for its long-term performance, increasing its organizational relevance. The study is conducted in Ghana, a developing economy. The bulk of manufacturing companies are engaged in the production of cement, food and beverages, oil-refining, and aluminum smelting, to name a few, with Accra Metropolis accounting for the largest share. Additionally, given the necessity of a comprehensive awareness of risk across these firms, managing internal audit function with the goal of strengthening sustainability audits in manufacturing companies is not overemphasized (Balaras et al., 2019; Samagaio & Diogo, 2022). For two key reasons, the sample of manufacturing companies includes both companies that publish sustainability reports and those that do not. First off, sustainability assurance is not simply Amoako et al., Cogent Business & Management (2023), 10: 2192313 https://doi.org/10.1080/23311975.2023.2192313 Page 2 of 21 present when a report is published; it can also include reporting and/or activity. Therefore, according to DeSimone et al. (2021), sustainability assurance encompasses sustainability plans, risk management, operations, and reporting. Second, internal auditors are in a position to assist in the development of a sustainability communication plan to inform external stakeholders of the outcomes and advancement made in relation to the organization’s economic, environmental, and social responsibilities. Many organisations have room to improve their sustainability management systems. 2. Motivation of the study The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) emphasizes two primary tasks of internal auditors (IAs) in its revised standards: advising (consulting) services and assurance services (Simpson et al., 2016). Evidence, however, indicates that the ability of IAs to guarantee sustainability has not been widely pushed (Simpson et al., 2016; Soh & Martinov Bennie, 2015), leading to a myopic view of the nexus in various geographical areas. These academics clarify the necessity of educating IAs on the hazards connected to sustainability initiatives as well as the reporting procedures. As a result, DeSimone et al. (2021) urge that the relationship between IAFs and sustainability audits be evaluated. Numerous studies have asserted that external auditors should focus on the internal controls and risk assessment systems that businesses have implemented in order to deliver accurate, comprehensive, impartial, and pertinent audits (Fadzil et al., 2005; Hazaea et al., 2021; Tarjo et al., 2022). According to other research (Boiral et al., 2019; García-sánchez, 2020; Perego & Kolk, 2012), firms may use the work of assurance providers to also strengthen their internal managerial and organizational capacities in sustainability activities and reporting processes. This could lead to conflicts of interest and compromise the impartiality of an assurance provider. Therefore, hiring a qualified IA to serve as a manager’s consultant is a means to minimize conflicts of interest and could aid in maintaining the independence of the external assurer. The IAFs should also carry out value-added tasks like sustainability audits, and internal assurance may present chances for IAFs to contribute value by lowering the cost of sustainability assurance. While qualitative approaches have provided a more comprehensive analysis of the internal environment, their usefulness is limited by factors such as country-specific considerations (Eulerich & Eulerich, 2020; Plant et al., 2019). As a result, the results of earlier investigations are limited, uncertain, and inconsistent. To resolve some of the inconsistencies in the literature, it is crucial to undertake a study on the relationship between IAFs and sustainability audits in a developing country environment. It is against this backdrop that the current study provides a unique contribution on the nexus between internal audit functions and sustainability audits in manufacturing firms. The study contributes to existing theories on internal audit and sustainability audits. Outcome from this study would help to ascertain whether the agency and stakeholder theories are violated or confirmed. As much as owner managers are interested in maximising their wealth from the firm, other interested parties require that the firm operates sustainably into a foreseeable future period requiring the firm to put in place a sound internal audit function. For academic and practical purposes, the study’s findings are pertinent to a better understanding of the connection between internal audits and sustainability audits of manufacturing companies. It will also let management of these companies know how well internal resources are used to boost performance in light of shifting business environment conditions. The results of this investigation will also aid in resolving certain discrepancies in earlier research. The findings of this study have implications for efforts being made around the world to increase awareness of the need for integrated sustainability assurance, particularly IAs, among those who write and utilize sustainability reports. The growing role of IAs in providing an integrated sustainable guarantee would also be known to users of sustainability data. Finally, IAs and trainers of Amoako et al., Cogent Business & Management (2023), 10: 2192313 https://doi.org/10.1080/23311975.2023.2192313 Page 3 of 21 internal audit services would be aware of the necessity of preparing and equipping an IA in order to improve the validity and applicability of sustainability audits. The research is supported by the following objectives; (1) Assess the influence of risk management process on sustainability audits. (2) Examine the effect of sustainability sensitivity on sustainability audits. (3) Determine the influence of internal audit effectiveness on sustainability audits. (4) Evaluate the influence of enactments, policies, standards, systems and procedures on sustainability audits. The remaining sections are arranged as follows. The study’s review of related literature and methodology are contained in sections 3 and 4 respectively. Sections 5 and 6 respectively shows the results and discussion. In section 7, the study’s conclusions and implications are presented. 3. Literature review 3.1. Theoretical review The study is guided by two important theories in examining the relationship between internal audit function and sustainability audits. The theories utilised in this study are the agency theory and stakeholder theory. The section initially explains the agency theory, followed by the stakeholder theory. 3.1.1. Agency theory The agency theory is one of the most well-established concepts in management and economics literature (Daily et al., 2003). This theory, developed by Jensen and Meckling (1976), assumes that managers (agents) try to increase their benefit at the expense of the interests of the owners (principals), who hire managers. Owners suffer as a result of a dispute (principal-agent issue) brought on by managers’ conduct. The challenges that occur in enterprises as a result of the division of ownership and management are addressed and are given particular importance in agency theory. Businesses typically find it impractical to put this idea into practice because contracts are frequently inadequate. Disclosure might be another strategy to lessen information asymmetry and, hence, agency costs by lining up the interests of shareholders and managers (Healy & Palepu, 2001; Watson et al., 2002). Businesses operate like a “black box” to optimize their worth and profitability, claim Jensen and Meckling (1976). By correctly coordinating their efforts, the stakeholders involved in the firm can collaborate to enhance their wealth. However, a conflict of interest arises when the parties’ interests diverge, and it can only be resolved by managerial ownership and control. The parties with self-interest also recognized that for the firm to meet their needs, it must exist. To assure the continuation of the business, they therefore perform magnificently. In a similar spirit, Fama (1980) championed the idea that enterprises can be disciplined by the competition from other players, which monitors both the performance of the team as a whole and of particular individuals. Perrow (1986) criticized positivist agency researchers for concentrating only on the agent side and claimed that the “principal and agent problem” may also originate from the principal side. He emphasized that this perspective has no concern for the principals, who exploit, avoid, and control the agents. The agents work in a perilous environment with limited opportunities for intervention, while their principals exploit them unknowingly. Hence, there is the need to ensure that effective internal audit function is put in place to maximise sustainability of the audit process in businesses (Shonhadji & Maulidi, 2022). Amoako et al., Cogent Business & Management (2023), 10: 2192313 https://doi.org/10.1080/23311975.2023.2192313 Page 4 of 21 Sustainability audits by the IAF are intended to assist organisations in achieving managerial commitment, controlling their sustainability activities, adhering to organisational sustainability policies, and complying with environmental regulations with an emphasis on an objective review (DeSimone et al., 2021). Accordingly, the current study examines the association between internal audit function and sustainability audits. 3.1.2. Stakeholder theory “According to the stakeholder theory, a company endeavor’s primary goal is to provide as much value as possible for its stakeholders (Freeman, 2004; 1984). Senior management must make sure that the interests of customers, suppliers, employees, communities, and shareholders are aligned and pointed in the same direction for a business to succeed and last over time. Managers are accountable to more than just shareholders, according to Freeman (2004). They must take into account every group or person who can influence or be impacted by the achievement of the firm’s objectives in addition to shareholders or stakeholder groups. Therefore, implementing an efficient internal audit function will go a long way toward assuring sustainable audits to the advantage of interested parties by protecting the asset of the SMEs from misuse (Samagaio & Diogo, 2022). 3.2. Empirical review Despite the growing acceptance that businesses should report on pertinent sustainability issues, stakeholders may not always recognise the significance or value of these reports being independently assured. The goal of Ridley et al. (2011) paper was to emphasise that the internal audit function can and does provide this assurance, significantly enhancing the effectiveness of corporate governance. The study, although is theoretical in nature, refers to a few “real-world” examples. Key internal auditing professional standards and recommendations are evaluated in character and in a comparatively organised way, along with earlier theoretical and empirical research. The article supports the claim that reporting sustainability policies, procedures, and measures has less value for stakeholders when there is no independent confirmation. The study provides evidence to demonstrate how internal auditing has not always been pushed globally in this function, despite the possibility for doing so. Similar to how more businesses are engaging in sustainability efforts, assurance of these efforts is a more recent development. As a result, DeSimone et al. (2021) looked at the correlations between firms involving their internal audit functions (IAFs) in sustainability audits and the presence of risk assessment by internal auditors, sustainability sensitivity, IAF age, and release of sustainability reporting. They discovered inconclusive results between IAFs and sustainability audits for organisation types as well as continental analyses. The purchase of products, services, and public works accounts for over 70% of the annual budget spent by the Ghanaian government. To control public procurement activities and guarantee openness, accountability, and value for money (VFM) in the procurement procedures, the Public Procurement Acts (Acts 663 and 914) were enacted (Adam & Kissi, 2021; Seyram, 2017). On the other hand, public officials in Ghana are misusing public monies to an unprecedented degree. The work by A. M. Karikari et al. (2022) sought to solve this issue by creating a model that would explain the extent to which Internal Audit Effectiveness (IAE) influences VFM and sustainable public procurement (SPP). A cross-sectional survey method of public institutions in Ghana was utilised. The study employed 72 District Assemblies from the Greater Accra and Ashanti regions made up the study’s sample. Two hundred participants, including internal auditors, procurement officials, accountants, and finance officers, were chosen at random for the study using a stratified sample technique. The survey results were analysed and the study’s assumptions were tested using the Smart-PLS programme and the Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) methodology. The study found that the key predictors of IAE include top management support, external auditors’ involvement, internal audit independence, and competency of internal auditors. Once more, their investigation of the mediation showed that IAE promotes both VFM and SPP. The outcomes also demonstrate that a rise in VFM has a favourable impact on SPP. Amoako et al., Cogent Business & Management (2023), 10: 2192313 https://doi.org/10.1080/23311975.2023.2192313 Page 5 of 21 In their 2015 article, Soh and Martinov-Bennie looked into the type and scope of internal audit functions’ (IAFs’) participation in environmental, social, and governance assurance (ESG) and consulting in Australia. The paper also investigated internal audit practitioners’ perceptions of the current and future importance of these issues and the adequacy of their skills and expertise in meeting the challenges associated with their involvement in these areas in order to identify emerging priorities and the profession’s capacity to respond to these. Information was gathered from 100 Chief Audit Executives and internal audit service provider partners. Results showed that respondents’ assurance and consulting efforts are mostly focused on governance issues, with social and environmental issues coming in second and third, respectively. While environmental issues are most frequently predicted to become more significant over the next five years and are believed to be in greatest need of further development of IAFs’ skills and experience, governance challenges are still thought to be of the greatest current importance to IAFs. The relationships between internal audit functions and sustainability audits have been inconclusive. Accordingly, the context within which a study is conducted, and differences in internal audit functions may influence the outcome. For instance, as DeSimone et al. (2021) revealed a significant influence of sustainability sensitivity on sustainability audits in listed companies and not-for-profit making firms, it was found otherwise in unlisted companies for the organisation type analysis. Risk management on the other hand was revealed to have a significant positive effect on all firms but the effect was substantial for unlisted firms. For the continental-level analysis, DeSimone et al. (2021) revealed an insignificant effect of sustainability sensitivity on sustainability audits in Africa, Europe and Latin America, but significant for Asia and Oceania, and North America. The effect of risk management was however significant in Africa, and Asia and Oceania. A study by Pérez-Cornejo et al. (2019) demonstrated that risk management processes are necessary for corporate reputation in Spanish firms. A study conducted in Ghana provided that internal audit effectiveness is pertinent for arousing value for money and sustainability procurement (see, A. M. Karikari et al., 2022). This is confirmed by other studies conducted in Ghana (Angmor & Diaboh, 2022; A. Karikari et al., 2023; Ziniyel et al., 2018, etc.). Mulyani et al. (2019) found otherwise by revealing that internal audit effectiveness does not enhance corporate sustainability in Indonesia. In European countries, Simoni et al. (2020) ascertained that sustainability sensitivity does not relate to sustainability assurance reports. Conversely, internal audit functions like enactments and policies had a significant positive influence on sustainability assurance reports as found by Simoni et al. (2020). Due to the inconclusive results exacerbated by geographical area and the choice of internal audit function parameters employed as well as the lack of enough study on the subject matter, it is important to revisit the relationship between IAFs’ and sustainability audits. The primary reason organizations request external sustainability reports is to increase the credibility of the information published, according to studies conducted by Clarkson et al. (2019) and García-sánchez et al. (2019). Additionally, in the context of the study, manufacturing firms are required to be environmentally friendly to improve sustainability audits, as noted by Samagaio and Diogo (2022). In this manner, we formulate the following hypotheses to guide the study; H 1 :There is a significant influence of risk management process on sustainability audits. H 2 :There is a significant effect of sustainability sensitivity on sustainability audits. H 3 :There is a significant influence of internal audit effectiveness on sustainability audits. Amoako et al., Cogent Business & Management (2023), 10: 2192313 https://doi.org/10.1080/23311975.2023.2192313 Page 6 of 21 H 4 :There is a significant influence of enactments, policies, standards, systems and procedures on sustainability audits. 4. Methodology The goal of the study was to ascertain how internal audit functions affected sustainability audits of manufacturing companies in the Accra Metropolis. As a result, this section provides the research techniques required to fulfill the study’s objective. The quantitative research approach is specifically used in this study to increase the objectivity and verifiability of results in order to minimise the subjectivity or biases of the researcher. The explanatory research design was specifically used in the current study to evaluate the connection between the internal audit function and sustainability audits. 4.1. Population and sampling The managers of manufacturing companies in Accra Metropolis were the study’s target group. Around 41% of manufacturing businesses are located in Accra, according to the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) in 2015. Managing internal audit function toward improving sustainability audits in manufacturing companies is not overemphasised because of the requirement of a holistic understanding of risk across these companies (Samagaio & Diogo, 2022). The GSS reported that 2495 people worked in manufacturing enterprises in Accra Metropolis in 2015. It is common knowledge that a sample is a portion of the population that is selected and studied (M. Saunders et al., 2009). Therefore, the sample size was determined using the Krejcie and Morgan (1970) sample size determination table with a 5% and 95% margin of error and confidence level, respectively, because the targeted population of this study included managers of manufacturing enterprises in Accra Metropolis. According to the Krejcie and Morgan (1970) sample size determination table, the proper sample size for this investigation, given the population size of 2495, was 335. As a result, the current study settled on a final sample of 1340 which exceeds the minimum sample size. For this study, a straightforward random selection method was deemed necessary. 4.2. Data collection and administration The current study’s data came from primary data. Primary data was taken into consideration because it allows the researcher to get data directly from sources. In order to gather information from managers of manufacturing companies in Accra Metropolis, a systematic questionnaire was created. Questionnaire was chosen as the best method for gathering data from a large population because of its homogeneity and objectivity (M. Saunders et al., 2009). For this investigation, a seven-point Likert scale was used. The questionnaire was chosen from a variety of literary sources that fit the context and goal of the study (see, DeSimone et al., 2021; Thabit et al., 2019). In order to encourage mitigation of errors in the comprehension of the research instructions and questions, the current study conducted a preliminary assessment (Kurzhals, 2021). According to the standard stated by M. N. Saunders et al. (2015) for pre-testing, a sample of twenty-five (25) managers of manufacturing companies were taken into consideration for the pre-testing. The results of the pre-testing showed that the respondents were not overly sensitive to the items of questionnaire, the questions were not skipped, and they understood the various items within the questionnaire. In this regard, the scales were precise and useful. The survey approach was deemed suitable for the current investigation. The information from respondents was gathered using a standardized questionnaire in accordance with the research objectives, necessitating the following steps. The distribution of the questionnaire and subsequent data collecting marked the start of the process. In addition to the researcher, three professionally trained field assistants assisted with the distribution and collection of the questionnaire. Amoako et al., Cogent Business & Management (2023), 10: 2192313 https://doi.org/10.1080/23311975.2023.2192313 Page 7 of 21 included in this study is to the sustainability audits (SA) of manufacturing companies in Accra Metropolis. The importance performance map (IPM) of the exogenous factors employed in this investigation is shown in Figure 2. Comparatively, the IPM aids in determining the most significant IAF approach that contribute to sustainability audits. Figure 2 reveals that SS is the most important IAF that has a crucial impact on sustainability audits (SA). This is not surprising because the more manufacturing firms ensure sustainability in their internal audit functions the more they become sustainable in their audits. The impact of IAF on SA is next followed by RMP, EPS, and finally IAE. Therefore, as SS has the greatest influence on FP, policy actions that affect IAF practices of manufacturing enterprises should give it a lot of weight. In this way, even if IAF techniques used by manufacturing companies in Accra Metropolis should not be considered equally, they should be observed and steps should be taken in priority order to improve SA. Figure 1. Structural path coefficients and bootstrapping. Note: EPS, IAE, RMP, SA, and SS represent Enactments, policies, standards, systems and procedures, Internal audit effectiveness, Risk management process, Sustainability audits and Sustainability sensitivity. Figure 2. Importanceperformance map. Note: EPS, IAE, RMP, SA, and SS represent Enactments, policies, standards, systems and procedures, Internal audit effectiveness, Risk management process, Sustainability audits and Sustainability sensitivity. Amoako et al., Cogent Business & Management (2023), 10: 2192313 https://doi.org/10.1080/23311975.2023.2192313 Page 14 of 21 Table 8 demonstrates the total effects (direct) on SA. It can be seen from Table 8 that the determinants of SA have a direct impact to a degree above 80%. Improvement in these factors would have serious repercussions on the SA of manufacturing firms. However, the most impact on SA is sustainability sensitivity. This is followed by IAE and RMP. Enactments, policies, standards, systems and procedures construct has the least relationship with sustainability audit. It is important that sustainability sensitivity in manufacturing firms is improved whereas enactments, policies, standards, systems and procedures are reviewed from time to time. 6. Discussion 6.1. There is a significant influence of risk management process on sustainability audits It was revealed from the first research hypothesis that RMP has a significant and positive influence on SA. It suggests that the null hypothesis of no significant influence of RMP on SA is rejected. Accordingly, risk management practices are needed to enhance sustainability audits among manufacturing firms at Accra Metropolis. For this reason, it can be concluded that consideration of fraud and corruption as key risks that need to be managed, presence of internal auditors and review of institution’s operations, constant evaluation of risks, good governance, presence and review of organisation’s governance, continuous evaluations of an entity’s governance process, and strengthened risk management and governance process are necessary in enhancing sustainability audits. In this manner, owners’ interest as well as the interest of all other stakeholders would be met respectively in line with the agency and stakeholder theories where proper risk management contributes to sustainability audits. The IAF involvement, according to the respondents, helps with risk management because the costs of false reporting might be considerable (Trotman & Trotman, 2015). These expenses include fines for the CEO and the board as well as harm to the organization’s reputation for transparent reporting. Additionally, expert advice emphasises the significance of ensuring sustainability reporting, particularly the role of the IAF. This agrees with the outcome by DeSimone et al. (2021) who found risk management pertinent in enhancing sustainability audits in Africa, and Asia and Oceania. The finding by Pérez-Cornejo et al. (2019) is no exception, indicating that risk management is relevant for corporate reputation in Spanish firms. 6.2. There is a significant effect of sustainability sensitivity on sustainability audits Moreover, the second research hypothesis revealed that SS has a significant positive effect on SA. Hence, the null hypothesis of no significant influence of SS on SA is rejected. This indicates that there is a significant positive effect of SS on SA. It can then be concluded that SS is relevant in enhancing SA of manufacturing firms in Accra Metropolis. Hence, factors such as making decisions based on the basis of sustainable development, using stricter laws and regulations to protect the environment, and resolving conflicts peacefully through discussion for sustainability development are needed for sustainability audits. This outcome is not surprising because environmental issues are considered relevant in terms of IAFs (Soh & Martinov Bennie, 2015). This partly agrees with the study by DeSimone et al. (2021) who revealed a significant influence of sustainability sensitivity on Table 8. Importance-performance values Variables Total Effect (TE) Performance (P) Overall score (P/ TE) Rankings SS 0.455 83.771 184.112 1 IAE 0.268 81.420 303.806 2 RMP 0.225 81.946 354.204 3 EPS −0.134 81.701 −609.709 4 Note: EPS, IAE, RMP, and SS represent Enactments, policies, standards, systems and procedures, Internal audit effectiveness, Risk management process, and Sustainability sensitivity. Amoako et al., Cogent Business & Management (2023), 10: 2192313 https://doi.org/10.1080/23311975.2023.2192313 Page 15 of 21 sustainability audits in listed companies and not-for-profit making firms, but insignificant for unlisted companies in the organisation type analyses. DeSimone et al. (2021) continental-level analysis found that sustainability sensitivity had an insignificant influence on sustainability audits in Africa, Europe, and Latin America, but a significant influence in Asia and Oceania, as well as North America. However, the present study contradicts this finding by demonstrating that manufacturing firms in Accra are required to prioritize environmental friendliness to enhance sustainability audits, as noted by Samagaio and Diogo (2022). 6.2.1. There is a significant influence of internal audit effectiveness on sustainability audits Also, from the third research hypothesis, it was found that IAE has a significant positive effect on SA. In this regard, the null hypothesis of no significant influence of IAE on SA is rejected. This means that there is a significant positive effect of SS on SA. It can then be said that IAE promotes SA of manufacturing firms in Accra Metropolis. It can be concluded that improvement in organizational operations, the creation of added value to the organization, reduction in incidences of fraud, accomplishment of objectives, determination of the adequacy and effectiveness of the firm’s internal control systems, reviews compliance with procedures, policies and plans as well as regulations of the service and reviews the service’s compliance with laws and regulations are needed for sustainability audits. This is in support of both the agency and stakeholder theories. The significant influence of IAE on sustainability agrees with the outcomes by Angmor and Diaboh (2022), A. M. Karikari et al. (2022), A. Karikari et al. (2023) and Ziniyel et al. (2018) conducted in Ghana but less consistent with the outcome by Mulyani et al. (2019) performed in Indonesia. 6.3. There is a significant influence of enactments, policies, standards, systems and procedures on sustainability audits To end with, the study revealed an insignificant effect of EPS on SA. It can be said that, the null hypothesis of no significant influence of IAE on SA is not rejected. This means that enactments, policies, standards, systems and procedures are weak enhancers of SA. It can then be concluded that EPS is not relevant in enhancing SA of manufacturing firms in Accra Metropolis. Hence, it can be concluded that factors such as presence and constant evaluations of an entity’s operations to help in the detection of acts of non-compliance are not relevant for sustainability audits. Moreover, the detection of fraud through gross non-compliances of public finance officers, enforcement of statutory regulations, gives them the exposures to mitigate both the incidence of fraud and corruption risks, and constant evaluations of statutory guidelines for compliance gives them the exposures to identify the areas of fraud risks are not needed in promoting sustainability audits. Also, in the Upper West Region of Ghana Owusu-Ansah (2017) revealed that most individuals disregard auditing enactments, standards, systems and procedures in hospitals. This violates the agency theory and stakeholder theory where managers are required to meet the interest of owners and other stakeholders respectively. A qualitative study in Tunisian public sector by Khelil and Khlif (2021) found that one main barrier to internal auditors performing their position as assurance providers is the lack of legal protection, standards and procedures for them. The outcome obtained in this current study is less consistent with that of Simoni et al. (2020) who revealed a significant positive relationship between policies and enactments and sustainability assurance reports. 7. Summary, conclusion, recommendations and suggestions for further studies The study investigated the effect of IAF on SA of manufacturing firms at Accra Metropolis. Particularly, the study seeks to assess the effect of RMP, SS, IAE and EPS on SA of manufacturing firms at Accra Metropolis. The explanatory research design and quantitative research approach were applied to achieve the study’s objective. A sample of 1340 managers of manufacturing firms were invited to complete a standardised questionnaire based on extensive evaluations of prior empirical investigations. The PLS-SEM was used to estimate the study’s questions. It was appropriate to use a non-parametric approach, the PLS-SEM, after learning that the data distribution may have significantly deviated from normality. Amoako et al., Cogent Business & Management (2023), 10: 2192313 https://doi.org/10.1080/23311975.2023.2192313 Page 16 of 21 7.1. Summary of findings It was found from the first research hypothesis on the influence of RMP on SA that there is a positive and significant effect. It suggests that the null hypothesis of no significant influence of RMP on SA is rejected. Accordingly, risk management practices are needed to enhance sustainability audits among manufacturing firms at Accra Metropolis. Moreover, the second research hypothesis revealed that SS has a significant positive effect on SA. Hence, the null hypothesis of no significant influence of SS on SA is rejected. This indicates that there is a significant positive effect of SS on SA. It can then be concluded that SS is relevant in enhancing SA of manufacturing firms in Accra Metropolis. Also, from the third research hypothesis it was found that IAE has a significant positive effect on SA. In this regard, the null hypothesis of no significant influence of IAE on SA is rejected. This means that there is a significant positive effect of SS on SA. It can then be concluded that IAE promotes SA of manufacturing firms in Accra Metropolis. To end with, the study revealed an insignificant effect of EPS on SA. It can be said that, the null hypothesis of no significant influence of IAE on SA is not rejected. This means that enactments, policies, standards, systems and procedures are weak enhancers of SA. It can then be concluded that EPS is not relevant in enhancing SA of manufacturing firms in Accra Metropolis. 7.2. Conclusion The study concludes from the first research hypothesis that consideration of fraud and corruption as key risks that need to be managed, presence of internal auditors and review of institution’s operations, constant evaluation of risks, good governance, presence and review of organisation’s governance, continuous evaluations of an entity’s governance process, and strengthened risk management and governance process are necessary in enhancing sustainability audits. It can be concluded from the second research hypothesis that factors such as making decisions based on the basis of sustainable development, using stricter laws and regulations to protect the environment, resolving conflicts peacefully through discussion for sustainability development are needed for sustainability audits. Additionally, it can be concluded from the third hypothesis that improvement in organizational operations, the creation of added value to the organization, reduction in incidences of fraud, accomplishment of objectives, determination of the adequacy and effectiveness of the firm’s internal control systems, reviews compliance with procedures, policies and plans as well as regulations of the service and reviews the service’s compliance with laws and regulations are needed for sustainability audits. From the fourth hypothesis, the study however concludes that factors such as presence and constant evaluations of an entity’s operations to help in the detection of acts of non-compliance, detection of fraud through gross non-compliances of public finance officers, enforcement of statutory regulations, gives them the exposures to mitigate both the incidence of fraud and corruption risks, and constant evaluations of statutory guidelines for compliance gives them the exposures to identify the areas of fraud risks do not promote sustainability audits. 7.3. Recommendations The study recommends from the first research hypothesis that managers of internal audit units of manufacturing firms should control the level of fraud, corruption, review the institution’s operations, incessant evaluation of risks, and effective governance in mitigating corruption. Also, from the second research hypothesis, it is recommended that preserving the nature of sustainability development and other environmental sensitivity should be the hallmark of managers such as internal auditors, operations, accountants and finance managers to ensure value for money. Furthermore, effectiveness of internal audit processes should not be underestimated since it contributes to sustainability audits. Managers of manufacturing firms including internal auditors and the audit committee should ensure regular improvement of the organisations’ operations to create and add value, review compliance and ensure interdependence in the audit process to warrant continuous improvement of sustainability audits. From the fourth research hypothesis, the Amoako et al., Cogent Business & Management (2023), 10: 2192313 https://doi.org/10.1080/23311975.2023.2192313 Page 17 of 21 study recommends that there is the need for the creation of an audit department, the hiring of a permanent internal auditor, the provision of suitable logistics, the training of personnel on the value of internal audit, and the use of internal auditing standards and principles in the reportwriting process for an enhanced sustainability audit. 7.4. Suggestions for further studies Due to geographic disparities and the fact that the study was limited to SMEs in the Accra Metropolis, extrapolating its findings to the other 15 regions may be deceptive. Further research in this area can broaden the study’s scope to include additional regions, strengthening the generalization. Future research should additionally examine the relationship utilising performance measures such as financial, environmental accountability, etc. The use of an interview guide for a qualitative discussion of RMP, SS, IAE, EPS and SA were ignored in this study. Therefore, it is advised that future research consider a mixed-methods approach to ensure objectivity and dependability in evaluating the circumstances. The estimation technique used in this study was the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Model (PLS-SEM). However, PLS-SEM is restricted to non-covariance-based correlation analysis. The relationship between the internal audit function and sustainability audits is still being researched. Author details Gilbert K. 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