Identification and ranking of factors affecting the effectiveness of internal audit and supervision in Iran's public sector (with grounded theory approach)

Internal audit has provided the basis of correct governance and accountability. An effective internal audit can support the organization in achieving its goals. The purpose of this research is to identify and rank the factors affecting the effectiveness of internal audit and supervision in the public sector of Iran.

This research is qualitative and has an applied purpose. The statistical population of the research includes two groups, 16 people from the accounting and auditing field of the public sector in a targeted manner and in the second stage, 165 experts were selected in an available and targeted way. The tools of data collection are interviews and questionnaires, and the foundational data method was used to analyze the qualitative data. Fuzzy Hierarchy Analysis (AHP) method was used to rank the dimensions and components.

After reviewing and studying authoritative scientific texts and databases and based on interviews with experts and data analysis, the research results showed that the factors of mechanisms and consulting processes with a weight of 39%, evaluation of internal controls with a weight of 27%, internal audit and Results reporting with a weight of 20%, responsibility for accountability with a weight of 9%, and financial reporting and assurance of processes and operations with a weight of 5% have had the greatest and least impact on the effectiveness of internal audit and supervision in the public sector of our country, respectively.

Internal auditing plays an important role in improving the risk management process, increasing the internal control system, and the satisfaction of people and regulatory bodies in government organizations by providing advice.