Effects of Enhanced Transparency of Non-Audit Services on Investors’ Judgements of Auditor Independence

This thesis is motivated by the longstanding concerns regarding the ability of the auditor to maintain independence while delivering both audit and non-audit services to the same client. These concerns are likely to stem from incomplete information or presumptions about the provision of non-audit services. Therefore, this thesis contributes to this discussion by examining how various non-audit services disclosure interventions influence investors’ perceptions of auditor independence and their investment-related decisions. This thesis helps standard setters anticipate the potential effects of regulatory changes concerning non-audit services disclosure and make more informed policy decisions.