Institutional logics and sustainability of selected small and medium-sized audit firms

Carla Coetzee, Karin Barac and Joanne Seligmann

South African Journal of Accounting Research, 2019, vol. 33, issue 3, 163-186

Abstract: Although an abundance of research exists concerning larger audit firms, studies on small-scale audit firms are scarce. This study investigates how small and medium-sized audit firms deal with professional and commercial logic for sense-making and legitimisation of their strategies and practices to remain sustainable, particularly as audit practices, in a changing environment. The study focuses on a specific change event, namely a change in legislation that resulted in mandatory audit relief for certain small and medium-sized enterprises. Following a multiple-case study design, a qualitative research approach was used to show that small and medium-sized audit firms responded to a threat to their sustainability in an environment transformed by new legislation, by broadening the service offerings which coincided with selective adoption of practices related to commercial logic. Those retaining a more focused professional orientation had a positive outlook on the sustainability of their audit practices.

Date: 2019
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DOI: 10.1080/10291954.2019.1655189

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