Economic crises and the quality of external audit: Analysis of impacts on the financial information of listed companies in Morocco

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of economic crises on external audit quality and financial reporting reliability, focusing on Moroccan listed companies. It examines how financial constraints, auditor independence pressures, and regulatory responses influence audit practices during periods of economic downturn. A systematic literature review was conducted, analyzing peer-reviewed studies, regulatory reports, and empirical research on the relationship between economic crises and audit quality. The study integrates theoretical frameworks such as agency theory, signaling theory, and institutional theory to provide a structured understanding of the issue. The findings indicate that economic crises lead to reduced audit fees, increased earnings management, and weakened regulatory enforcement, thereby compromising audit quality. The study recommends strengthening regulatory frameworks, enhancing auditor independence measures, and adopting technological innovations such as artificial intelligence and blockchain to improve audit resilience.