(c) Critically discuss the likely effectiveness of standard questionnaires sent to other a

Question

(c) Critically discuss the likely effectiveness of standard questionnaires sent to other auditors as a means of

obtaining information required. (5 marks)

Answer 1

正确答案：
(c) Likely effectiveness of standard questionnaires
Most group auditors obtain information from other auditors through questionnaires in the form. of yes/no requests and/or
detailed questions.
Standard yes/no questionnaires are widely used because, for example, they:
■ can be completed more quickly by someone already familiar with their form. and content;
■ facilitate summarisation of responses from other auditors by the group auditor.
However, a standard questionnaire may be less effective than a ‘bespoke’ one in that it is likely to ask unnecessary questions.
This may result in the other auditor finding the questions to be ‘not applicable’ and regarding completion of the questionnaire
as a form-filling exercise, rather than providing the group auditor with essential information.
Nevertheless, there is a danger that questionnaires that are not based on some standard form. may overlook or otherwise omit
some significant issues and therefore fail to alert the group auditor to a potential risk area.
Thus a balance needs to be struck between requesting enough information for the group auditor to form. their own view
without requesting meaningless ‘box-ticking’ questions that do not deal with the issues. Questionnaires that get longer and
longer are likely to lose their effectiveness especially if they are to be used in different locations/jurisdictions.
Questionnaires will cover a broad range of topics such as qualifications, competence/experience, compliance with ISAs (and
ISQC 1), audit findings, subsequent events, etc. Therefore there will be a tendency to length (completeness) rather than
quality (relevance).
In conclusion, questionnaires should:
■ avoid over-use of yes/no questions which may encourage laxity;
■ not ask for information that has already been provided or which is unnecessary; and
■ be adequately tailored.