Revisionens värde i småföretag

: En studie av relationen mellan formellt syfte och praktisk användning

Abstract

This study aimed to develop a deeper understanding of how small companies subject to mandatory auditing used auditing in practice and how the value of auditing was perceived in relation to its formal purpose. In the literature reviewed in this study, previous research has shown that the value of auditing in small companies is complex and context-dependent, while the practical use of auditing has been explored to a lesser extent. The study was conducted using a qualitative approach based on six semi-structured interviews, and the material was analyzed through qualitative content analysis supported by the Resource-Based View (RBV), Service-Dominant Logic (SDL), and expectation gap theory. The results showed that small companies used auditing to ensure order and reliability in accounting, fulfil legal requirements, and strengthen legitimacy toward external actors such as banks and authorities. For some companies, auditing primarily appeared as a mandatory control function, while others used the auditor more actively in complex or uncertain situations. Furthermore, the core value of auditing was perceived as control, legitimacy, and assurance, although the importance of these aspects varied between companies. Added value mainly arose through advisory services, dialogue, and the auditor’s industry knowledge. The relationship between the company and the auditor played a central role in how the value of auditing was perceived. Accessibility, personal rapport, and understanding of the business contributed to stronger value creation. At the same time, an expectation gap was identified, as several companies requested more advisory services than the audit engagement formally included.

Date of Award	2026-Aug
Original language	Swedish
Awarding Institution	Faculty of Business
Supervisor	Nellie Gertsson (Supervisor), Jennifer Emsfors (Assessor) & Heléne Tjärnemo (Examiner)