Mohammad Hudaib

Corporate Governance Structure and Performance of Malaysian Listed Companies

This study investigates the relationship between the corporate governance structure and performance of 347 companies listed on the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange (KLSE) between 1996 and 2000. We found board size and top five substantial shareholdings to be significantly associated with both market and accounting performance measures. In addition, we found a significant relationship between multiple directorships and market performance while role duality and managerial shareholdings are significantly associated with accounting performance. The result is robust with respect to controls for gearing, company size, industry membership and growth opportunities.

Auditor-client relationship: The case of audit tenure and auditor switching in Malaysia

Purpose – The main purpose of this paper is to examine one aspect of auditor‐client relationship, namely audit tenure and switching behaviour, and factors affecting it. Lengthy audit tenure with the same client has been cited as one of the threats to auditor independence. Given the importance of this issue, this research attempts to shed some light on the effect of audit tenure and switching behaviour on auditor independence in Malaysia.Design/methodology/approach – This study evaluates the effects of various independent variables on switching behaviour and audit tenure using logistic regression analysis.Findings – An examination of 297 companies listed on the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange over a period of 11 years reveals audit firm switching to be significantly associated with distressed large clients and that the length and direction of switch depend upon the type of audit firm.Research limitations/implications – A number of important variables such as corporate governance characteristics, audit and non‐...

Exploring auditor independence: an interpretive approach

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to explore the construction of the meanings of auditor independence (AI) in an oil-rich autocratic state with an ideology straddling liberal market capitalism and Design/methodology/approach - The concept of AI was explored using Blumers interactionist approach or the Chicago School of Symbolic Interactionism (CSSI). Multiple methods were adopted in collecting and interpreting data: document analysis, personal professional experience, observation and interviews with auditors in two audit firms in Saudi Arabia. Findings - Using discourse analysis, the paper demonstrates that auditors construct the meanings of independence in appearance and in fact through their social interactions at three levels: micro (personal self-reflexivity through ethical reasoning and reputation of individual auditor); meso (organisational culture through range of commercial activities and image management) and macro (through political, Originality/value - The paper contributes to the auditing literature by providing insights into the construction of the meaning of AI in a context different from the dominant Anglo-American discourse, as well as transition and emerging economies discourse. The paper also contributes to the CSSI research methodology by extending it to consider interactions not only within an organisational context, but also within the context of a country.

Episodes in the Malaysian auditing saga

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the various episodes in the Malaysian auditing saga, covering the period of the first 40 years post-independence in 1957 to just before the onset of the Asian Financial Crisis in 1997. Design/methodology/approach – Based on documentary analysis, the paper offers a historical account of the development of the auditing profession with reference to the dynamic changes in its political and socio-economic environment. Findings – The paper concludes that the function of auditing in Malaysian society responded to political-economic pressures over time viz. changing from maintaining the economic policy to serve Western investors to accommodating ethnic relations, and to strengthening the bond between local and global corporate elites and the political leaders. Originality/value – Since, little is known of the professionalisation process in Malaysia, our analysis of the structural conditions during the 40 years from the achievement of independence from the British in 1957 to just before the onset of the Asian Financial Crisis in 1997 and our assessment of their implications for auditing contributes to knowledge in this area

Personalisation of power, neoliberalism and the production of corruption

Abstract This paper utilises a political lens in considering the cause for the production of corruption and the role of political leadership. Specifically, the notion of personalisation of power as advocated by Slater (2003) is adopted to portray how the adoption of neoliberalism ideology by an aspiring autocratic leader results in the weakening of the infrastructural power through three strategies: packing, rigging and circumventing. We use Perwaja Steel as a case study to demonstrate the modus operandi of corruption in a state-owned enterprise in Malaysia.

Exploring the perceptions of auditor independence in Indonesia

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the perceptions of auditors and users of their reports on auditor independence in Indonesia. Design/methodology/approach – Auditors and users are requested to stated their confidence in the level of independence in 34 scenarios. Descriptive and χ2 test are the used to analyse the difference of perceptions amongst groups. The paper then conduct an interview with a senior officer of audit regulator body to better understand the findings. Findings – Both groups have less confidence on auditor independence in 30 situations. Results between auditors and users indicate auditors having lower confidence on auditor independence than users in situations related to crossover from audit firm to client, provision of NAS, auditor litigation and indirect financial interest through shareholdings while users have lower confidence on auditor independence involving personal relationship with a political figure and client imposing strict budget on audit fees. Within the audit...

The need for Shariah harmonization in financial reporting standardization: The case of Indonesia

Purpose - – This study aims to analyze IFIs’ stakeholders’ perception on Shariah harmonization for financial reporting standards inIndonesia as a part of the development effort of linking the emerging global Islamic banking to Indonesian financial and industrial markets. Design/methodology/approach - – A sample of 160 respondents, who were stakeholders of Islamic banks, was taken from Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia and its surrounding major districts to examine the stakeholders’ perception on Shariah harmonization effort toward the implementation of a uniformed financial reporting standard for Islamic financial institutions. Data for this study were collected using a structured questionnaire. Findings - – Through this study, the authors found several measures to be taken to ensure Shariah harmonization efforts in Indonesia such as deep understanding on the Research limitations/implications - – The study is only looking at one case study, which is Indonesia. Therefore, future studies should consider more countries and significant number of respondents. Different research instruments to measure the perception can also be an interesting research exploration. In addition, adopting deep Islamic political economy of accounting theory may support better analysis on the issue of financial reporting standardization for Islamic financial institutions. Originality/value - – This paper has practical significance for financial reporting standard setters for Islamic banks and policy-makers to understand the key behavioral and demographical dimensions of their stakeholders and using these dimensions to effectively position important aspects in financial reporting standards setting.

A Bourdieusian perspective in exploring the emergence and evolution of the field of Islamic microfinance in Indonesia

Purpose Microfinance institutions (MFIs), including Islamic microfinance institutions (IMFIs) in Muslim countries, have spread across the globe and transformed into a new industry. However, how IMFIs in Indonesia evolved to become an important sector serving society has not been rigorously explored. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to address the lacuna on the emergence of an industry by examining the development of Islamic microfinance sector in Indonesia. Design/methodology/approach The paper adopts the historical research method to narrate the evolution of this specific sector based on the data collected through oral history and published academic research documents during various periods of Indonesia’s economic and political milieu. Findings This paper demonstrates that the emergence and development of IMFIs in Indonesia has been shaped within the wider process of socio-political changes, particularly, the role of Islamic movement and politics in Indonesia. Originality/value Most studies investigating the emergence and transformation of institution or industry adopt the static approach, which has been criticised as it fails to consider the process of emergence, growth path and the survival of organisations. Hence, this paper contributes to the literature by analysing the institutional evolution by locating the institution inside its wider environmental context by using Bourdieu’s concept of field to narrate the historical development of IMFIs from its emergence and evolution to become a significant new industry in the country.

The Islamic accounting triangle: Measurement, disclosure and enforcement

This chapter discusses some of the underlying problems in conventional accounting, which is deemed inappropriate for Islamic business organizations in fulfilling the objectives of Islamic teachings. It illustrates the implications of the Islamic worldview for accounting policies and practices. It provides a critical analysis of three interrelated issues in accounting, namely recognition and measurement, disclosure, and enforcement, which Islamic business organizations need to pay attention to in order to fulfil their accountability to stakeholders.