CEO leadership in improving corporate governance: the significance of CEO support to the effectiveness of the audit committee

The impact of recent corporate scandals has been serious and far‐reaching. The popular news coverage has been unequalled by any other business issue. The result is that the investment community has lost its trust in corporate governance and financial reporting systems that less than two years ago were the envy of the world. Shareholders are insisting on changes that include enhancements to corporate governance, adherence to ethical standards and strict accountability. In response, the government, the investment community and the public in general have focused greater scrutiny on the corporate financial reporting function.