Evolving challenges for supreme audit institutions in struggling with corruption

Abstract

Purpose

To discuss the theoretical framework for involvement of supreme audit institutions (SAIs) in anti‐corruption struggle and their contributions in practice.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a theoretical and practical discussion on both direct and indirect contributions of SAIs in fighting with corruption. To this end, it covers a comprehensive analysis of SAIs in terms of separation of power, audit evidence, transparency, investigative power and accountability. Hence, cornerstone documents concerning the subject matter of the paper have been scrutinized so as to evaluate the role of SAIs in detail.

Findings

Active participation of SAIs which have financial, organizational, operational and functional independence and audit mandate guaranteed by constitutions and laws is essential in order for deterring corruption by promoting accountability, openness and good governance public‐financial management. Furthermore, it is likely that SAIs detect some suspicious cases of corruption even though most of them have no power to investigate those cases.

Originality/value

The paper points out that SAIs to some extend may take part in the fight with corruption directly by detecting it beside its conventional role of deterring and preventing.

Citation

Kayrak, M. (2008), "Evolving challenges for supreme audit institutions in struggling with corruption", Journal of Financial Crime, Vol. 15 No. 1, pp. 60-70. https://doi.org/10.1108/13590790810841707