Decision-making based on incorrect or
dated information is another risk internal
auditors must monitor. The board
and top executives typically focus on
what the organization needs to achieve
overall objectives, not on day-to-day
details. They rely on others within the
organization to provide the information
they need to make strategic decisions and
keep the company on course. Management
and the board can easily misinterpret
information compiled by individuals
who have a different understanding of
what the organization, division, or function
is trying to achieve. Moreover, they
may have a different set of assumptions
that would prevent them from making
appropriate decisions quickly. By assessing
the quality of information senior
management receives based on three key
questions, auditors can help reduce the
likelihood that decisions will be made
based on bad information.