Content Analysis of Anti-Corruption’s Quarterly Reports 2003-2013: Do Accounting Professional Skepticism an Influential Factor of Corruption in Kenya?

Abstract

Corruption has remained one of the major international concerns of the past decade. Cutting across social, cultural and economic dimensions, corruptions is universally perceived as the biggest human induced threat facing humanity at the moment. Currently, there is active debate among scholars on the bases and exact ways in which corruption affects particular societies. Specifically, Accountants and auditors are expected to plan their work with due diligence. And bring their professionals competence to bear on their jobs, since their reports may be relied upon by variety of individuals and organizations in investment decision making. We conducted a content analysis on anti-corruption’s quarterly reports from 2003-2013. The methodological approach of content analysis is studying of valid textual data and different textual sources with the purpose of providing knowledge, new insights, a representation of facts and a practical guide to action. We examined 600 cases of allegations against accountants, managers and other finance handlers in their work institutions. The cases were investigated and prepared by anti-corruption commissions as stipulated under section 36 of the anti-corruption and economic crime act, 2003. The paper found out that there is a significant relationship between corruption and accounting Professional scepticisms between 2003 and 2013.The paper concluded that  the drivers related to corruption in Kenya is insufficient levels of professional skepticism. This suggest that a need for increased focus on professional skepticism is required, as well as continual reminders during the course of an engagement of the responsibilities for due professional care and maintaining an appropriate level of skepticism, in order to reduce the state of corruptions in Kenya.

Keywords: accounting Professional skepticism, corruption, fraud, bribery, allegation, anti-corruption, content analysis

Paper type: Research paper