Audit Expectation Gap: A Bibliometric Analysis Based on Scopus And WoS Data (1992-2024)

Abstract

In this study, the concept of the expectation gap (AEG), which is thought to be at the center of the criticism towards the audit profession, is discussed. The AEG can be explained as the difference between the performances and expectations of the parties to the audit. The aim of the study is to examine the current status and global trends of AEG scientific publications in Scopus and Web of Science databases with bibliometric analysis. For this purpose, in the search conducted with the keyword "Audit Expectation Gap" in both databases, 117 publications covering the years 1992-2024 were evaluated comparatively. The data were analysed by using Excel and VOSviewer programs. The findings show that approximately 40 per cent of AEG research has been conducted in the last five years. The leading countries are the United Kingdom, Australia, Malaysia and Iran. The most productive authors are Humphrey, C., Coram, P. J. and Lee, T.H. The common keywords that stand out are auditing, auditors, auditor’s report, key audit matters and audit quality. The overlap rate of the databases is 35% and the coverage of Scopus was found to be wider. To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate the effects/interactions of AEG research in terms of both databases. Keywords: Audit, Expectation Gap, Bibliometric Analysis, Scopus, WoS, VOSviewer JEL Codes: M42, C88