Internal auditor's interpersonal trust building: the Israeli public sector

PurposeThis paper investigate the antecedents of the public sector's senior management in interpersonal trust relationships involving sceptical internal audits in public services administrations. This is fundamental for a positive audit, as it affects the auditing relationship and assures a sound public administration.Design/methodology/approachThe author surveyed 261 senior management from 24 Israel's local authorities (about 30%), representing large, medium and small administrations in Israel's North District.FindingsThe results indicate that senior management's antecedents to trust sceptically minded internal audits are positive for audit knowledge sharing. Findings also reveal that the internal auditor's ability, integrity and benevolence significantly impact senior management's trust. Whereas open communication does not significantly affect the senior management's propensity to trust, its satisfaction with its internal auditor fosters positive trust and support.Practical implicationsUnderstanding the antecedents of the senior public manager on internal audit benefits the audit outcomes. Albeit audit professional scepticism's interpersonal trust relationship with senior public manager influences the audit. Audits efficiently related to organisational culture and outcomes.Originality/valueA new practical model of senior management trust antecedents is presented for a more effective auditing system and public administration. The model is original, as no other empirical studies have yet dealt with senior management's trust in internal audits in the public sector.