عبدالخالق خنکا

Insurance companies serve as critical components of every financial system, acting as key players in risk management and providing essential financial security for individuals, businesses, and other legal entities. By offering products such as life insurance, property coverage, and health plans, these companies help mitigate economic uncertainties and promote stability in markets. However, with growing scrutiny on corporate practices, the role of monitoring mechanisms like the audit committee and internal audit quality has become increasingly vital. The audit committee, functioning as an independent oversight body within corporate governance frameworks, is responsible for supervising financial reporting, internal controls, and compliance with regulations. Its effectiveness can significantly influence the quality of non-financial disclosures, such as social responsibility reports, which detail a company's environmental, social, and governance (ESG) impacts. Similarly, internal audit quality—encompassing the rigor, independence, and competence of internal audit functions—serves as a cornerstone of corporate governance by ensuring the accuracy, transparency, and completeness of reported information. In the context of social responsibility reporting, these mechanisms help verify that companies adhere to ethical standards, sustainability goals, and stakeholder expectations. Given the rising importance of social responsibility in the insurance industry—particularly in Iran, where regulatory pressures and public awareness are increasing—this study aims to investigate how the effectiveness of the audit committee and the quality of internal audit performance may influence social responsibility reporting. By focusing on the Iranian insurance companies, the research addresses a gap in understanding how robust governance structures can enhance accountability and trust in an industry that deals with public funds and societal well-being.

This study adopts a correlational research design, which involves examining the relationships between variables without manipulating them, making it suitable for exploring associations in real-world settings. Hypothesis testing was conducted using multivariate regression analysis, a statistical technique that allows for assessing the simultaneous impact of multiple independent variables (such as audit committee effectiveness and internal audit quality) on a dependent variable (social responsibility reporting). The research is classified as applied in terms of purpose, meaning it seeks to generate practical insights that can inform real-world decision-making, rather than purely theoretical contributions. The approach is framed within inductive reasoning, where specific observations from the data are used to draw broader generalizations. The statistical population consists of all insurance companies operating in Iran, including a diverse range of firms from state-owned to private entities. To ensure relevance and timeliness, the sample period spans from 1398 to 1402 (corresponding to the Persian calendar years, or approximately 2019 to 2023 in the Gregorian calendar). Data collection likely involved reviewing annual reports, corporate governance disclosures, and other publicly available sources, with variables operationalized through established metrics (e.g., audit committee independence, expertise, and audit committee size for effectiveness and internal audit quality indicators such as internal audit size, age, and competence for internal audit performance). This methodological rigor helps establish reliable cause-and-effect relationships while controlling for confounding factors.

The empirical results from the hypothesis testing reveal a significant and positive relationship between both audit committee effectiveness and internal audit performance quality, and the enhancement of social responsibility reporting. Specifically, higher levels of audit committee effectiveness—characterized by factors such as member independence, financial expertise, and audit committee size —were found to correlate with improved reporting quality, leading to greater transparency, accuracy, and reliability in disclosures. For instance, an effective audit committee may enforce stricter review processes that ensure social responsibility reports accurately reflect a company's efforts in areas like community engagement, environmental sustainability, and ethical practices. Similarly, superior internal audit quality, which includes thorough risk assessments, unbiased evaluations, and timely reporting, directly contributes to the integrity of these reports by identifying and rectifying discrepancies or omissions. Overall, the findings underscore the importance of a strong corporate governance infrastructure in fostering social accountability. By bolstering stakeholder trust—such as that of investors, regulators, and the public—these mechanisms not only comply with legal requirements but also promote long-term sustainability in the insurance sector. The positive effects observed in this study highlight how investments in governance can yield tangible benefits, particularly in an industry like insurance, where public perception and ethical conduct are crucial for maintaining credibility.

This research provides valuable empirical evidence that enriches the existing literature on social responsibility reporting and corporate governance, with a specific focus on the insurance industry in Iran. By demonstrating the positive impacts of audit committee effectiveness and internal audit quality, the study offers actionable insights for stakeholders. For policymakers and regulatory bodies, such as the Central Bank of Iran or the Securities and Exchange Organization of Iran, these findings can guide the development of enhanced governance standards and reporting mandates. Managers of insurance companies can use this information to prioritize governance improvements, potentially leading to better risk management and reputational gains. Furthermore, the results emphasize the need for ongoing monitoring and potential reforms in corporate practices to align with global sustainability trends. While the study contributes significantly to understanding these dynamics in an Iranian context, it also opens avenues for future research, such as comparative analyses with other industries or countries, to explore additional factors influencing social responsibility reporting. Ultimately, by promoting transparency and accountability, this work supports broader goals of ethical business practices and sustainable development in the financial sector.

Due to the type and nature of the services it provides, the auditing profession enjoys a special credibility and trust, and the continuation of this credibility and trust and its strengthening depends on the intellectual and practical adherence of the members of the profession to its behavioral and ethical standards; Therefore, the occurrence of unethical behaviors, which are known as quality-reducing behaviors, directly and indirectly leads to a decrease in audit quality. The aim of the present study was to explain the role of auditors' job empowerment in reducing audit quality behavior with regard to the mediating role of professional performance. The current research is one of the applied researches in terms of its purpose, and in terms of data collection, it is descriptive and survey type. Standard questionnaires were used to collect information. The statistical population of this research was all the auditors working in the audit organization and private sector institutions in 1403. Using Cochran's formula, an approximate sample size of 384 people was obtained, but to increase the credibility of the research, 460 questionnaires were randomly distributed among the participants, and finally, 400 questionnaires were returned, of which 395 were returned. The case could be analyzed. Using structural equations and Smart PLS3 software, research hypotheses were tested and the results of the hypothesis test showed that auditors' job empowerment and professional performance have a negative and significant effect on audit quality-reducing behavior, and also professional performance on the effect of auditors' job empowerment on quality-decreasing behavior Auditing has a partial mediating role. The results of this research can help the policy makers and the compilers of standards and legislators to strengthen the ethical functions by knowing more about the positive and negative dimensions and consequences of auditors' behavioral characteristics. Social and cultural auditors should act for more dynamic interaction with the profession and social contexts and based on that, adopt the necessary incentive policies to encourage companies to reduce the behavior that reduces audit quality.

Brand capital, as an important intangible asset of the firm plays a major role in unlocking the business potential of a firm by expanding its market share, developing customer loyalty, increasing engagement with stakeholders, retaining talented employees, attracting investment, and differentiating a firm and its products in the market. capital market literature shows that as brand capital increases, the visibility and public awareness of firms’ operating and innovation activities increases. In this regard, the present study was conducted with the aim of investigating the effect of brand capital on firm’s stock price crash risk. to do so, a sample of 119 firms listed in Tehran Stocks Exchange during the time period 2018 – 2022 was selected and the research hypothesis was empirically tested using the multivariate linear regression analysis based on panel data technique, the research findings reveal that firms with higher brand capital are exposed to less stock price crash risk.

Employees always play an important role in the activities and investment decisions of the company. Therefore, the aim of the current study is to investigate the impact of the quality of employees on the firm's investment efficiency. The Biddle et al. (2009) model is used to measure investment efficiency and we use the level of employee education to proxy employee quality. The research hypothesis is investigated using a sample consisting of 92 firms listed in Tehran Stocks and Exchange during the years 2019 to 2023 and multivariable regression model based on the panel data technique. The research findings indicate that the higher the quality of the employee, the more the managers' investment decisions efficiency.Employees always play an important role in the activities and investment decisions of the company. Therefore, the aim of the current study is to investigate the impact of the quality of employees on the firm's investment efficiency. The Biddle et al. (2009) model is used to measure investment efficiency and we use the level of employee education to proxy employee quality. The research hypothesis is investigated using a sample consisting of 92 firms listed in Tehran Stocks and Exchange during the years 2019 to 2023 and multivariable regression model based on the panel data technique. The research findings indicate that the higher the quality of the employee, the more the managers' investment decisions efficiency.The research hypothesis is investigated using a sample consisting of 92 firms listed in Tehran Stocks and Exchange during

Readability refers to the reader's success in reading and understanding a written text. Based on the extant literature, more readable financial statements due to mitigate information asymmetry between investors and corporate insiders increase investors’ monitoring ability thus preventing managers’ inefficient cash use. In this regard, the present study was conducted with the aim of investigating the effect of financial reporting readability on the market valuation of corporate cash holdings. to do so, a sample of 121 firms listed in Tehran Stocks Exchange during the time period 2019 – 2023 was selected and the research hypothesis was empirically tested using the multivariate linear regression analysis based on panel data technique. the research findings indicate that readability increases the market value of corporate cash holdings. In other words, investors place more value on cash held in the firms with more readable financial reports. investors place more value on cash held in the firms with more readable financial reports.

The literature finds that auditors charge higher fees for riskier clients. One reason for this is that auditors expend greater effort on riskier clients. However, it is unclear whether they incorporate the risks associated with high Organization capital into pricing of audit services. In this regard, the present study was conducted with the aim of investigating the association between organization capital and firms’ audit fees. to do so, the research hypothesis was tested using the data of 112 firms listed in Tehran Stocks Exchange during the time period 2018 - 2022, as well as multivariate linear regression analysis. the results of testing the hypothesis indicate that auditors will charge higher fees to client firms with high levels of organization capital due to the higher assessment of their business and agency risk.

Internal auditing is an independent, objective assurance and consulting activity designed to add value and improve an organization's operations. Therefore, the information provided by the high quality internal audit unit is considered as an important input for managerial investment decision-making. In this regard, the present study was conducted with the aim of investigating the relationship between the internal audit function quality and firm’s investment efficiency. to do so, a sample of 132 firms listed in Tehran Stocks Exchange during the time period 2018 – 2022 was selected and the research hypothesis was empirically tested using the multivariate linear regression analysis. the research findings in line with the input-process-output theory reveal that the higher the internal audit function quality, the more the firm’s investment efficiency.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of corporate social responsibilities on the relationship between capital structure and financial performance of companies listed in the Tehran Stock Exchange. This research period is from 2011 to 2014. The results showed that there is a significant negative relationship between short-term debt ratio, long-term debt ratio and total debt ratio with equity rate of return, asset rate of return and net profit margin. We also found that corporate social responsibility has a significat impact on the relationship between short-term debt ratios and financial performance. Corporate social responsibility has also influenced the relationship between long-term (total) debt ratios and financial performance.

In the process of globalization, the competition between companies becomes inevitable. Therefore, it is extremely important to employ qualified and well-educated management accountants to provide consultation service to managers. Management accountants should carefully and rationally plan and be prepared to offer services needed by managers. This necessitates continuous forward movement and progress, planning, and foresight by considering the development and changes in society. Therefore, in the present research, the driving forces of management accounting in terms of education and research were identified in the next 20 years.

In terms of the type of data, the present research was a mixed one. Considering the kind of research, it was an explorative and survey one. To identity the main driving forces, the views of experts and experienced professors of management accounting were taken into account. The panel of experts, open questionnaires, interviews, and phase Delphi were used to that end. The method of sampling was judgment sampling and snowball sampling.

The results indicated that management accounting does not have a suitable and high status; therefore, considerable effort is needed to improve its status. Experts (in the phase Delphi) believed that crisis in education and research is the most important thing influencing the future, implying that education and research have and will have a chaotic and disorganized status in a way that experts accept the crisis situation. The relationship between universities and industries and the cooperation between them was ranked the second driving force, implying that in the future, universities will try more to improve their relationship with industries.

Based on the results and the driving forces identified, it is suggested that in order to develop the profession, the agents and actors influencing management accounting embark on long-time planning and executive actions for the future of management accounting.

If companies want to compete and succeed in today’s highly competitive and fast changing world, they need correct, precise, relevant, and reliable information to make correct decisions. Management accountants, as one of the most important providers of the information needed by managers, need to adapt themselves to development and changes of the environment. It terms of data collection method, it was a descriptive-survey one, and considering the type of data, it was a mixed one. In the present research, the driving forces of management accounting in terms of science and information technology were identified in the next 20 years. To identity the main driving forces, the panel of experts, open questionnaires, interviews, and phase Delphi in 2016-2017 were used. In order to select experts from Iranian university professors and experts, the method of sampling used was judgment sampling and snowball sampling and it continued up to theoretical saturation. The results indicated that management accounting does not have a suitable and high status and needs careful attention. Based on experts’ views, developing software and intelligent accounting systems are the most important requirements of management accounting, implying that in the future, accounting systems tend to be influenced by technology and made intelligent. Intelligent business was ranked the second driving force and both developing the use of personal technologies and cloud computing were equally ranked the third. It is suggested that influential agents of the profession embark on careful and long-term planning to promote and develop the profession in the future.

Businesses are increasingly developing and the essentials of survival in such highly competitive environment is making right and timely decisions requiring accurate, relevant, reliable and timely information. Hence, management accounting, as one of the main fundamentals of providing information needed for management, should be should keep up with developments. This study is exploratory survey and it is applied in terms of purpose and is mixed based on data. The statistical population consisted of all faculty members and Ph.D. students of accounting, members of Iranian Accounting Management Association, and experts in management accounting. To identify the driving forces of management accounting over the next 20 years, initially experts’ panel, an open-ended questionnaire and an interview with experts were administered and then fuzzy Delphi method was used for the final consensus. Experts were selected through judgmental snowball sampling and theoretical saturation. To analyze the results of the Delphi method, the binomial test and fuzzy Delphi were applied. According to the results, increasing demand for management accounting and balancing financial accounting against management accounting are the most significant and effective driving forces in the future. It is expected that management accounting finds its real status in the future and the same occurs for driving forces of rising customers’ expectations, customer orientation and an increase in the number of management accounting experts. All identified driving forces apart from bureaucracy and flattery-based administrative system were confirmed by the experts. In general, experts believe that the management accounting develops no appropriate status. It is suggested that officials and activists as well as all role-playing people should plan and attempt for improving the future of management accounting regarding the driving forces presented in this study

Executives and supervisory officer of most large bodies of public sector, e.g., the Government and municipalities are elected by citizens, either directly or indirectly. Therefore, in democratic societies, citizens’ authority is vested in their proxies. Along these lines and according to agency theory as well asstewardship theory, citizens as the primary holder of resources are entitled to hold their proxies accountable and the proxies must be accountable as well. Accountability lies at the heart of democratic societies, municipalities being no exception. Besides, auditing as a supervisory tool guarantees accountability. Auditing triangle includes auditing committee, internal auditor, and externalauditor that accomplish and evaluate accountability mechanisms and corporate governance.The main purpose of the present research was investigating the necessity of the establishment of auditing committee and internal auditing unit on promoting the level of accountability of metropolises’ municipalities. To do this, questionnaires were utilized to elicit experts’ views regarding the issue.Participants included two groups, a) financial managers, heads of accounting units, internal auditing managers, as well as municipalities’ independent and internal auditors, and b) faculty members of accounting departments and postgraduate students. The results indicated that the establishment of auditing committee and internal auditing unit in metropolises’ municipalities will resultin promoting the level of accomplishment and evaluation of their financial and operational accountability.