Are auditors truly independent and objective?

Yes? No? Depends?

In this AUDIT DUEL, Dr. Rainer Lenz, current CAE of SAF Holland, and Doug Anderson, former CAE of the Dow Chemical Co., debate the issue.

Dr. Rainer thinks that “we should de-emphasize the dimensions of independence and objectivity in our professional standards," and Doug believes that “if we lessen independence and objectivity, then we lose any distinctiveness of internal audit.”

So, are auditors truly independent and objective? Listen in to make your own conclusion.