Discussion of 'Mandatory Audit-Partner Rotation, Audit Quality and Market Perception: Evidence from Taiwan'

Abstract

We discuss the Chi, Huang, Liao, and Xie (2009) study of the effects of mandatory audit partner rotation, and then identify areas where we see the greatest potential for future research on audit partner rotation and audit quality. First, we discuss how Chi et al. (2009) fits in the context of the extant literature, and we review challenges of examining audit partner rotation versus audit firm rotation. Second, we consider the study's research design. As Chi et al. suggest, the Taiwanese data provide an opportunity to address a research question that cannot be similarly addressed in a North American context. But the data and research design carry their own set of problems, including issues of statistical power. Third, we consider measures of audit quality. Interpreting the study as providing evidence on audit quality assumes not only that audit quality and earnings quality are the same, but also that abnormal accruals and ERCs are good measures of earnings quality, and by extension, audit quality. While such arguments are common in the archival audit literature, we believe it is time to move beyond these generic proxies. Our discussion concludes with suggestions for future research.