Institutional logics and sustainability of selected small and medium-sized audit firms

Abstract

Although an abundance of research exists concerning larger audit firms, studies on small-scale audit firms are scarce. This study investigates how small and medium-sized audit firms deal with professional and commercial logic for sense-making and legitimisation of their strategies and practices to remain sustainable, particularly as audit practices, in a changing environment. The study focuses on a specific change event, namely a change in legislation that resulted in mandatory audit relief for certain small and medium-sized enterprises. Following a multiple-case study design, a qualitative research approach was used to show that small and medium-sized audit firms responded to a threat to their sustainability in an environment transformed by new legislation, by broadening the service offerings which coincided with selective adoption of practices related to commercial logic. Those retaining a more focused professional orientation had a positive outlook on the sustainability of their audit practices.