Abstract:
This article focusses on determining the adequacy of the International Standards for the Professional Practice of
Internal Auditing (Standards) for use in South Africa, as well as examining how local entities comply with the
Standards as compared to those in other specific regions, from both emerging economies and developed
economies. Data used in this article’s analysis, interpretation, and comparisons comes from the USA-based
Institute of Internal Auditors Research Foundation’s Common Body of Knowledge questionnaire respondents
database. Findings indicated that the Standards provide adequate guidance to internal auditors, with South
African respondents providing the highest rating. South African respondents also indicated that their
organisations have the highest rate of compliance with the Standards, compared to those of other specific
regions. Reasons for and theories explaining the non-compliance with the Standards are discussed. The findings
of the study can be valuable to internal auditors in other emerging economies (as they shed light on possible
reasons for non-compliance with the Standards), as well as for internal audit researchers as a basis for further
research.
