Internal audit in Italian organizations: A multiple case study

Abstract

Purpose – To describe the main characteristics of Internal Audit Departments in six Italian companies and investigate the influence of enacted regulations on their development.Design/methodology/approach – The research has been carried out through a multiple case study, which compared the Internal Audit Departments of six Italian companies, gathering evidence by interviews with chief internal auditors, by obtaining examples of internal audit reports, policy documents and corporate briefing notes.Findings – The range of situations considered highlighted the diversity in Internal Audit Department characteristics, confirming the relevance of institutional pressures, but also providing evidence of the influence of additional elements in their development.Research limitations/implications – Results provided by this research cannot be regarded as generally applicable or generalizable, although this study should contribute to the development of a deeper understanding of the characteristics of Internal Audit Depa...