Impact of independent auditing on business performance of manufacturing enterprises in Ho Chi Minh City: The mediating role of green accounting disclosure and corporate social responsibility
Published: July 20, 2026
doi:10.62831/nckh.2026.620.v1
Abstract
In the context of sustainable development and green transformation, green accounting disclosure and corporate social responsibility (CSR) have become critical requirements for manufacturing enterprises. This study examines the impact of independent auditing on the level of green accounting disclosure and CSR among manufacturing firms in Ho Chi Minh City. Based on agency theory, legitimacy theory, and signaling theory, the study develops a model including independent audit, audit quality, audit firm change, green accounting disclosure, CSR, and business performance. A mixed-method approach is employed, combining qualitative research to refine measurement scales and quantitative analysis using PLS-SEM. The results indicate that independent auditing, audit quality, and audit firm change positively influence green accounting disclosure and CSR, with audit quality having the strongest effect. Green accounting disclosure and CSR positively impact business performance and act as mediators in the relationship between audit factors and performance.
Keywords
independent auditgreen accountingcorporate social responsibilitydisclosurebusiness performance
References
1.
Agyemang, A. O., Yusheng, K., Twum, A. K., Edziah, B. K., & Ayamba, E. C. (2023). Environmental accounting and performance: Empirical evidence from China. Environment, Development and Sustainability. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-022-02853-y
Akrawah, D. O., & Anichebe, A. S. (2020). Determinants of auditor switching in Nigeria. Global Journal of Accounting and Economy Research, 1(2), 119–144.
3.
Ali, W., Frynas, J. G., & Mahmood, Z. (2017). Determinants of corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure in developed and developing countries: A literature review. Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, 24(4), 273-294. https://doi.org/10.1002/csr.1410
Alqudah, H. M., Amran, N. A., & Hassan, H. (2019). Factors affecting the internal auditors’ effectiveness in the Jordanian public sector: The moderating effect of task complexity. EuroMed Journal of Business, 14(3), 251-273. https://doi.org/10.1108/EMJB-03-2019-0049
Al-Tuwaijri, S. A., Christensen, T. E., & Hughes II, K. E. (2004). The relations among environmental disclosure, environmental performance, and economic performance: A simultaneous equations approach. Accounting, Organizations and Society, 29(5-6), 447-471.
6.
Boiral, O., Heras-Saizarbitoria, I., & Brotherton, M.-C. (2019). Assessing and improving the quality of sustainability reports: The auditors’ perspective. Journal of Business Ethics, 155, 703-721.
7.
Christensen, B. E., Glover, S. M., Omer, T. C., & Shelley, M. K. (2016). Understanding audit quality: Insights from audit professionals and investors. Contemporary Accounting Research, 33(4), 1648-1684. https://doi.org/10.1111/1911-3846.12212
Deegan, C. (2009). Financial accounting theory (3rd ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
9.
Duygun, M., Shaban, M., & Weyman‐Jones, T. (2015). Measuring competition using the Boone relative profit difference indicator. Economics Letters, 132, 117-120. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.econlet.2015.04.022
Eulerich, M., & Lenz, R. (2020). Defining, measuring, and communicating the value of internal audit: Best practices for the profession. Internal Audit Foundation. https://www.theiia.org/globalassets/site/foundation/latest-research-and-products/2020-0635-fndmeasuring-value-report-fnl.pdf
11.
Jensen, M. C., & Meckling, W. H. (1976). Theory of the firm: Managerial behavior, agency costs and ownership structure. Journal of Financial Economics, 3(4), 305–360. https://doi.org/10.1016/0304-405X(76)90026-X
Lee, K. H., Cin, B. C., & Lee, E. Y. (2016). Environmental responsibility and firm performance: The application of an environmental, social and governance model. Business Strategy and the Environment, 25(1), 40–53.
13.
Manita, R., & Elommal, N. (2010). The quality of audit process: An empirical study with audit committees. International Journal of Business, 15(1), 87–99.
14.
Michelon, G., Pilonato, S., & Ricceri, F. (2015). CSR reporting practices and the quality of disclosure: An empirical analysis. Critical Perspectives on Accounting, 33, 59–78. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpa.2014.10.003
Neri, L., & Russo, A. (2014). A framework for audit quality: Critical analysis. Business and Management Review, 3(9), 25–30.
16.
Pucheta-Martínez, M. C., Bel-Oms, I., & Rodrigues, L. L. (2019). The engagement of auditors in the reporting of corporate social responsibility information. Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, 26(1), 46–56.
17.
Sawan, N., & Alsaqqa, I. (2013). Audit firm size and quality: Does audit firm size influence audit quality in the Libyan oil industry? African Journal of Business Management, 7(3), 213–226. https://doi.org/10.5897/AJBM12.1276
Spence, C., Husillos, J., & Correa-Ruiz, C. (2010). Cargo cult science and the death of politics: A critical review of social and environmental accounting research. Critical Perspectives on Accounting, 21(1), 76–89. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpa.2008.09.008
Suchman, M. C. (1995). Managing legitimacy: Strategic and institutional approaches. Academy of Management Review, 20(3), 571–610. https://doi.org/10.2307/258788
Weiss, R., & Kalbers, L. (2013). Determinants of auditor changes for non-accelerated filers. Research in Accounting Regulation, 25(1), 13–29. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.racreg.2012.11.008
Wong, R. (2012). Corporate social and environmental reporting: A user perspective (Doctoral dissertation, University of Bath). https://researchportal.bath.ac.uk/files/187955917/UnivBath_PhD_2012_R_Wong.pdf