The audit expectation gap concept: Examining views on auditors’ reports from Ghana

Purpose – The audit expectation gap has been the subject of research in many countries and in different forms. However, such research of the nature and dimensions of the gap has been limited, if done at all, in the developing countries of West Africa. This study assesses its existence and investigates the factors that have been influencing it. Design/methodology/approach – Survey responses from questionnaires administered to preparers and users of audited financial statements were analysed. Findings – Financial statements users have significantly different perceptions about assurances provided by auditors’ reports, whereas the views of company accountants are quite close to those of auditors. Originality/value – Although the validity of the results of this for international comparison may be limited by the number of financial statements users covered and the socio-cultural characteristics of the Ghanaian business environment, it should be recognised as one of the few to investigate the existence and nature of the expectation gap in the context of a developing country in the West African subregion. It thus adds the literature and points to the need for the adoption of multidisciplinary measures by the accounting profession and financial statements users with the view to eliminating or at the least minimising its persistence and escalation among the various relevant players.