A post-mortem on recent US corporate scandals

Abstract

It is difficult to prevent and detect corporate crimes as they generally involve senior employees. They may happen anywhere and at anytime. Many corporations may not like to disclose the corporate frauds even if they are detected because it would badly impair their corporations’ reputation. The most effective means of monitoring the operations and stewardship of management is through the checking of the corporate accounts by independent and professionally qualified persons, that is outside or external auditors. Through the auditing, owners or shareholders can assure whether corporate executives are fulfilling their contractual obligations.