Search Results for accountability

Abstract

This study aims to develop a therapeutic model to combat administrative and financial corruption, grounded in the principles of accountability, transparency, and the prevention of misuse of administrative authority. It also seeks to identify the key obstacles hindering anti-corruption efforts and propose viable solutions to overcome them.

    Corruption is one of the most dangerous global phenomena threatening the security, stability, and prosperity of nations and societies. It has become a persistent challenge, especially in Iraq, where corruption has infiltrated most public institutions, contributing significantly to the disruption of economic development, progress, and institutional reform.

    In recent years, corruption has exacerbated rates of unemployment and poverty and intensified social, economic, security, intellectual, and political crises. Its danger lies in its ability to spread like a "dormant virus" that activates when it finds a supportive social environment. Since April 9, 2003, Iraq has witnessed an unprecedented wave of corruption, prompting the state to adopt public policies—primarily theoretical in nature—to address this phenomenon and preserve the state's integrity at both domestic and international levels.

    While numerous legislative, executive, and oversight measures have been undertaken—across media, economic, security, and social domains—they often lack a comprehensive, actionable model to eradicate corruption from its roots.

Accordingly, this study proposes a therapeutic model based on accountability and transparency to safeguard citizens’ rights, promote justice, enhance security, and reinforce governance structures. The model responds to growing calls—from religious, social, educational, economic, and media entities—to instill a culture of integrity, strengthen anti-corruption frameworks, and intensify the recovery of stolen public funds. Legislative frameworks have evolved to address corruption in its multiple dimensions—security-related, psychological, economic, media-related, and social—while states have employed various strategies, such as enhanced accountability, participatory governance, transparency improvements, and comprehensive reform initiatives.

At the local level, corruption results in misallocation of resources, wastage of public funds, inefficiency in public services, weakened local development potential, poor planning, a deteriorated investment climate, and low economic growth.

To ensure the effectiveness of this proposed model, the outcomes of relevant research and studies must be adopted and integrated into a comprehensive and actionable anti-corruption roadmap. This includes clearly defining the roles, responsibilities, and powers of all concerned institutions to achieve legislative and procedural coherence

Abstract

        The international country risk guide referred to the possibility of analyzing a country's political risks using variables that included certain common or differentiated political characteristics that could become an identifiable characteristic of that country. The goal of analyzing such risks is to provide a method for quantifying and monitoring their consequences through multiple variables, including, but not limited to, the performance of financial markets. Such evaluation can be accomplished by assigning risk scores to a group of factors known as political risk elements, and despite the large size of the effects of these risks on market performance (sectors and companies), some parties avoid, ignore, or even include insufficient estimates that do not reflect their significance. As a result, the research problem focused on the idea that such levels of political risk might have a significant positive or negative impact on the performance indicators of the Iraq Stock Exchange. The ARDL model was used in the study to determine the direction and strength of the influence on the research sample. The study uncovered several results, the most important of which was that the voting process and accountability connected to the army's intervention in politics, accountability, and democracy were among the most influential explanatory factors for the two models.

Abstract

This study evaluates how International financial reporting standards (IFRS) can control the development of sustainable and fair value of economic entities through the governance role. Following the growing dynamism of the global business world and the growing demands of transparency and accountability, the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) that have been created by the International financial reporting standards Board (IFRSB) are now instrumental to the quality of financial reporting and accruing greater investor and stakeholder trust. In addition, the implementation of these standards in the framework of the effective governance system also helps in enhancing financial and non-financial disclosure concerning sustainability that helps in attaining the long-term value taking into account both economic, social and environmental aspects. The methodology in the study was descriptive-analytical. The sample size of 50 accountants and auditors of different companies was employed to create data using a questionnaire. Analytical data was conducted on the basis of SPSS software and path analysis models. The research model contained three key variables namely, the governance role of IFRS, which serves as the independent variable, the quality of disclosure and transparency, which relates to sustainability as the mediator variable, and the generation of sustainable fair value as dependent variable. The findings showed the direct and indirect influence of governance on sustainable value creation wherein disclosure quality was a partial mediator in such a connection. The results indicate that when corporate governance is combined with the use of international standards, the transparency and corporate responsibility increase and this adds to the long-term corporate value as well as supporting sustainable development and equity among the stakeholders.

Abstract

Achieving sustainable development requires a framework for decision-making, accountability, and management, which good governance provides. According to the World Bank's Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) report, Iraq has a performance gap of 34.1% in achieving the SDGs, which constitutes the applied problem of this study. Therefore, this study seeks to answer the main question: What is the role of good governance in achieving sustainable development through the mediation of Total Quality Management (TQM)? To achieve this, the study was conducted in the Iraqi Ministry of Electricity, and a sample of 100 department and division managers was selected. To collect data from this sample, a questionnaire was designed and distributed to 130 managers, of which 110 were returned, and 100 of these were deemed valid for analysis, representing the final sample size. Furthermore, the study employed quantitative analysis of the performance indicators adopted by the Iraqi Ministry of Electricity. The study utilized a deductive approach and a descriptive-analytical method in presenting and analyzing its data. The data was analyzed using SPSS software. The study concluded that the surveyed sample recognizes the importance of good governance indicators in achieving sustainable development. The analysis revealed that good governance has a significant and statistically significant impact on sustainable development, and that the influence of good governance indicators on sustainable development is growing. The study recommended that the Iraqi Ministry of Electricity adopt good governance indicators as a framework for decision-making, accountability, and efficiency to improve its performance towards achieving sustainable development.

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the role of good digital governance in enhancing strategic sovereignty in Iraqi private universities by revealing the nature of the relationship and impact between the two variables in light of the accelerating digital transformation in the higher education sector. The study adopted a descriptive-analytical approach, and data were collected using an electronic questionnaire distributed to a sample of professors from Iraqi private universities. The number of valid responses for analysis was 154. Good digital governance was measured through five main dimensions: digital accountability, digital transparency, fairness and equity, digital participation, and service efficiency. Strategic sovereignty was measured through a set of indicators related to decision independence and the institutional capacity to plan and control information resources. The results of the statistical analysis showed a strong, statistically significant positive correlation between good digital governance and strategic sovereignty, with a correlation coefficient (R = 0.72) at a significance level of (p < 0.001), indicating the strength of the relationship between the two variables. The regression analysis revealed that the dimensions of good digital governance collectively explain approximately 52% of the changes in strategic sovereignty (R² = 0.52), with a statistically significant overall standardized effect size (β = 0.68). At the dimension level, the results showed that digital transparency, digital accountability, and service efficiency were the most influential dimensions in enhancing strategic sovereignty, followed by digital participation and fairness and equity. This underscores the pivotal role of these practices in supporting the independence of strategic decision-making and strengthening institutional capacity to respond to challenges.

Abstract

The research addresses two main topics: the International Public Sector Standard (IPSAS 24) relating to the presentation of budget information in financial statements, and the Government Financial Management Information System (GFMIS).

In relation to IPSAS 24, the research focuses on clarifying how budget information is presented in public sector financial statements. The standard aims to achieve transparency and reliability in providing financial information to governments and government institutions. The research addresses various aspects of the standard, such as defining financial terms, basic principles, and requirements that must be met in submitting the budget.

 For GFMIS, the research reviews and evaluates this system that is used in managing financial information for governments. GFMIS aims to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of government financial resources management, and facilitate financial planning, monitoring and evaluation processes. The concept of GFMIS, its components and benefits are reviewed, as well as the challenges of its implementation and future preferences for its development and improvement.

 Overall, the research aims to provide previous researchers with an overview of IPSAS 24 and its importance in presenting budget information in public sector financial statements, as well as reviewing GFMIS and its role in improving government financial information management. This research can contribute to raising public sector awareness of the importance of adhering to international accounting standards in the public sector and using advanced financial information management systems to enhance transparency and effectiveness in managing the financial resources of governments.

The main reason for linking these two variables is to enhance transparency, accountability, and financial control in the public sector and ensure that government financial information complies with international accounting standards in the public sector. Therefore, reviewing these two variables and analyzing their role will provide an important theoretical and applied framework for understanding the relationship between them to rationalize the budget. The most important conclusions reached for the review research are that the main goal of applying the (IPSAS) standards is to achieve compatibility in accounting policies at the global level by providing guidance and directives to develop a comprehensive theoretical framework for government accounting. Evaluating government performance is achieved through commitment to applying the (24 IPSAS) standard., which allows the preparation of a variety of financial statements detailing the approved budget and actual expenditures, the final budget (adjusted allocation), and achieving the qualitative characteristics of accounting information. The government unit did not disclose in the financial statements the extent of compliance with legislative and regulatory laws and other regulations imposed by external parties. (The State) As for the recommendations, the researchers suggest that government institutions should commit to implementing the IPSAS 24 standard completely and accurately to ensure compliance with international accounting standards. Government institutions should analyze their actual needs and conduct a feasibility study before making any transfers in the original budget, in order to ensure a strong scientific basis and improve the institution’s performance in adhering to budget directives. Government institutions should fully and effectively implement GFMIS in all government units to enhance transparency and financial control. The GFMIS should also be configured in a way that meets the needs of the government unit in a way that enables it to record and track financial transactions and prepare financial reports in an accurate and timely manner.

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the impact of corporate governance on enhancing ethical behavior within business organizations. Corporate governance can be described as an organizational framework that contributes to regulating organizational performance and ensuring compliance with ethical and professional standards. The study adopted a theoretical and analytical approach by reviewing relevant literature and recent studies published between 2018 and 2025, including studies in internationally classified journals and fields, that examined the relationship between governance principles—namely transparency, accountability, independence, and social responsibility—and the ethical behavior of employees and senior management. The findings of the analysis revealed that the implementation of corporate governance effectively contributes to fostering a culture of integrity and responsibility within organizations, reducing corruption and the abuse of power, and strengthening trust between organizations and their stakeholders. The study concludes that adopting corporate governance principles is not merely a managerial choice for business organizations, but rather a strategic necessity for achieving sustainability and maintaining a positive corporate reputation.

Abstract

The aim of the study is to explain the role of the unified treasury account (TSA) in improving cash management in Iraq. This study dealt with two basic variables: the unified treasury system (TSA) and cash management. The two researchers demonstrated the role that the unified treasury account (TSA) plays in cash management and demonstrated the strong relationship. Between this system and improving cash management after explaining the concept, importance and classification of each of the variables, this study was consistent with the Iraqi Ministry of Finance’s approach to improving cash management by adopting the unified treasury account, which represents a qualitative shift in cash management, as the project will allow the possibility of monitoring the movement of cash on The level of the public sector as well as keeping pace with financial and economic progress. The study came to conclusions, the most notable of which is that there is a major difference between the traditional system of cash management currently followed and the unified treasury system for cash management in terms of control of cash, transparency, accountability, accuracy and speed of information, planning and control. Accordingly, it was the two researchers recommended the need for the Ministry of Finance to implement the Treasury Single Account (TSA) system in Iraq because of its positive effects on cash management by controlling all leaked resources legally and filling these gaps. The Ministry should prepare the requirements for the success of this system and reduce dependence on roads. Traditional cash management.

Abstract

The research, entitled "The Role of Environmental Accounting in Enhancing Renewable Energy Sustainability: An Applied Study in the Industrial Sector," examines the contribution of environmental accounting to the advancement of renewable energy sustainability in industrial contexts. It underscores the necessity of using environmental accounting techniques to mitigate the ecological consequences of industrial activities and harmonies them with renewable energy implementation and sustainability. The research examines the function of environmental accounting in monitoring and documenting the ecological expenses linked to industrial operations. It analyzes how these techniques assist enterprises in minimizing their environmental impact, enhancing energy efficiency, and facilitating the shift to renewable energy sources. The research underscores the essential function of environmental accounting in fulfilling global sustainability objectives, especially regarding energy efficiency and carbon emission reduction. The study's principal components comprise: • A detailed framework for executing environmental accounting specifically designed for industrial activities. • The assessment of cost-effectiveness and ecological advantages of shifting to renewable energy. • Case studies or examples demonstrate effective implementations of environmental accounting within the industrial sector. • Suggestions for policymakers and decision-makers to promote the widespread implementation of these practices in the industrial sector. The research finds that environmental accounting is vital for attaining renewable energy sustainability, since it offers mechanisms to assess, control, and alleviate environmental effects. It advocates for enhanced rules, corporate accountability, and innovation to promote a sustainable industrial future.

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the impact of implementing e-governance systems on reducing bribery and embezzlement in government institutions, as they are among the most prominent tools for combating financial corruption. The study explores the concept of e-governance and its role in enhancing transparency and accountability through automation and digitization, which reduces human intervention in administrative and financial processes. The study also discusses the most prominent mechanisms that contribute to reducing corruption, such as electronic payment, digital signatures, and smart monitoring systems. Furthermore, successful international experiences in implementing e-governance and its positive impact on reducing financial corruption are highlighted. Finally, to achieve the research objective, the researchers distributed a questionnaire to a sample of employees at Rasheed Bank/Najaf Branch in Iraq. The researchers reached a set of conclusions, the most important of which is that implementing e-governance systems significantly reduces the opportunities for bribery and embezzlement in government institutions by enhancing transparency and reducing human intervention in financial transactions. The researchers also reached a set of recommendations, most notably the need to develop technological systems in government institutions to ensure effective implementation of e-governance, while providing secure and fast communication network.        

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the impact of internal auditing on the transparency of financial reports in companies listed on the Baghdad Stock Exchange. The study sought to identify the nature of the relationship between the effectiveness of internal auditing and financial reporting transparency, measure the effect of internal audit independence on the credibility of financial information, and determine its role in reducing accounting errors and financial manipulation. The study adopted a descriptive-analytical approach and used a questionnaire as the primary tool for data collection. The sample consisted of employees working in auditing, accounting, administrative departments, and other stakeholders concerned with financial reporting. A total of 259 valid questionnaires were collected and analysed. Appropriate statistical methods, including the Chi-Square test, were employed to evaluate the study hypotheses. The findings revealed a statistically significant relationship between internal auditing and the transparency of financial reports. The results also indicated that the independence of internal auditors, their direct reporting relationship with the board of directors, and their unrestricted access to financial records and information significantly enhance the credibility and transparency of financial reporting. Furthermore, the study confirmed that internal auditing plays a significant role in reducing accounting errors and financial manipulation, improving the quality of financial disclosure, and supporting management in making sound financial decisions. The study concluded that internal auditing is an effective control and managerial tool that contributes to strengthening transparency, accountability, and the quality of financial reporting in companies listed on the Baghdad Stock Exchange. The study recommends enhancing the independence of internal audit units, providing adequate support and resources, adhering to international professional standards, and continuously developing the competencies of internal auditors to increase confidence in financial reports and improve the investment environment.

Abstract

This research aims to analyze the impact of youth economic empowerment on poverty reduction through entrepreneurship initiatives, considered a modern development mechanism that contributes to enhancing young people's economic capabilities and improving their living standards. The study adopted a descriptive-analytical approach, using a questionnaire as the primary data collection tool. The research population consisted of 80 young beneficiaries of entrepreneurship initiatives in Najaf, employing a comprehensive census method. The study examined the variable of youth economic empowerment through five dimensions: employment opportunities, skills and capacity development, access to economic resources, economic participation, and economic independence. The poverty reduction variable was measured across four dimensions: governance and accountability, institutional effectiveness, inclusivity and equity, and policy sustainability. Data were analyzed using SPSS software, employing descriptive statistical methods and regression analysis to test the impact hypothesis. The results showed a significant positive impact of youth economic empowerment on poverty reduction, with a regression coefficient of β = 0.477 and a coefficient of determination (R² = 0.249), indicating that economic empowerment contributes to reducing poverty levels among young people. The study recommended strengthening training and funding programs for entrepreneurial projects and developing policies that support entrepreneurship to contribute to more sustainable economic development.

Abstract

Corruption has become a significant challenge in many countries around the world at various levels, whether in the public or private sectors, and has topped the priorities of many national and international reports. Corruption is not just an issue related to the implementation and quality of governance, but has become a major challenge that hinders sustainable economic growth, fair human development, social justice, and equality between different groups. One of the main goals of governments is to reduce the social ills and problems resulting from corruption, and this is the first step in integrating the interconnection and absolute communication between various aspects of development. Therefore, a successful society is one that is capable of reducing corruption. There is a growing tendency at the international level to adopt technology to combat and reduce corruption, as technology plays an effective role as a transparent oversight tool and allows for greater accountability. Thus, it is an important tool for sustainable development, as the technological tool facilitates the collection, analysis, and updating of data, providing greater flexibility in addressing types and forms of serious financial and administrative corruption recognized internationally. It is also a tool that contributes to the development of better mechanisms to combat corruption and governance strategies, and environmental protection, health, education, communications, and poverty reduction are considered key indicators in preventing and combating corruption. This research reviews the role of modern technology in combating administrative and financial corruption in both developing and developed countries, as it is considered one of the most prominent factors that contribute to improving transparency and reducing opportunities for corruption, clarifying the relationship between corruption and sustainable development, and explaining how corruption negatively affects financial resources and hinders the achievement of social justice and economic development.

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the role of internal auditing in enhancing the dimensions of digital governance—namely digital transparency, digital accountability, digital risk management, and digital compliance—in Iraqi commercial banks amid the challenges associated with rapid digital transformation. To achieve the study objectives, the researchers adopted a descriptive-analytical approach by designing and distributing a questionnaire to a sample of employees working in the banking sector. The collected data were analysed using appropriate statistical methods. The findings revealed a statistically significant effect of internal auditing on enhancing all dimensions of digital governance. The results indicated that the role of internal auditing extends beyond its traditional supervisory function to become a strategic driver that contributes to improving the quality of digital information, clarifying responsibilities, enabling the early detection of operational and cybersecurity risks, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and technological policies. Based on these findings, the study emphasized the necessity of developing the competencies of internal audit personnel in the fields of modern technologies and cybersecurity, as well as activating electronic auditing systems. The study also highlighted the importance of support from top management in establishing a robust digital infrastructure. Furthermore, it recommended updating banking regulations and establishing specialized digital audit units to ensure the integration of oversight mechanisms with digital transformation requirements. Such measures would enhance the stability of the Iraqi banking sector and strengthen the confidence of all stakeholders in the digital banking environment.

Abstract

This research aims to analyze the impact of youth economic empowerment on poverty reduction through entrepreneurship initiatives, considered a modern development mechanism that contributes to enhancing young people's economic capabilities and improving their living standards. The study adopted a descriptive-analytical approach, using a questionnaire as the primary data collection tool. The research population consisted of 80 young beneficiaries of entrepreneurship initiatives in Najaf, employing a comprehensive census method. The study examined the variable of youth economic empowerment through five dimensions: employment opportunities, skills and capacity development, access to economic resources, economic participation, and economic independence. The poverty reduction variable was measured across four dimensions: governance and accountability, institutional effectiveness, inclusivity and equity, and policy sustainability. Data were analyzed using SPSS software, employing descriptive statistical methods and regression analysis to test the impact hypothesis. The results showed a significant positive impact of youth economic empowerment on poverty reduction, with a regression coefficient of β = 0.477 and a coefficient of determination (R² = 0.249), indicating that economic empowerment contributes to reducing poverty levels among young people. The study recommended strengthening training and funding programs for entrepreneurial projects and developing policies that support entrepreneurship to contribute to more sustainable economic development.

Abstract

This study aimed to shed light on compliance auditing and the risks associated with non-compliance, while demonstrating the impact of compliance auditing on the quality of accounting information contained in the financial statements, applied to a sample of Iraqi banks listed on the Iraq Stock Exchange. The study also addressed the concept of compliance auditing as one of the branches of modern auditing that focuses on verifying institutions' compliance with laws, standards, and regulations, and its role in enhancing transparency, credibility, and improving the quality of accounting information. This study was based on the hypothesis that fulfilling compliance auditing requirements in the correct and proper manner by audit committees can result in a set of distinct benefits, including expressing a neutral professional opinion on ensuring the level of quality of accounting information for entities subject to auditing that meets the requirements of a wide range of investors. The study problem was embodied through a set of questions, including (Do economic units operating in the local environment seek to adopt compliance auditing practices for their financial statements and statements? Do economic units operating in the local environment realize the role that compliance auditing practices play in improving the image of the auditing profession for a wide range of investors? Does adherence to compliance auditing practices affect ensuring a certain level of quality of accounting information for entities subject to auditing, especially in an environment where the importance of transparency and financial accountability increases? In order to achieve the objectives of the study and examine and test its hypothesis, the study adopted the descriptive analytical approach. By constructing and formulating a questionnaire form that was distributed to the study sample consisting of a group of auditors, compliance monitors and financial accountants working in the banking sector, and then analyzing the study data through the use of a number of statistical means and methods.

The study reached a set of conclusions, the most important of which is that there is an important role for compliance auditing in enhancing the quality of accounting information, and there is a statistically significant moral effect of compliance auditing on the quality of accounting information in its dimensions.

The study also recommended the need for continuous assessment of the extent of banks' compliance with laws and standards, and the application of effective internal control systems that support compliance auditing tasks and ensure early detection of any violations, and the development of proactive plans to avoid financial and legal risks associated with non-compliance.