An Examination of Auditor Choice using Evidence from Andersen's Demise

The Enron/Andersen scandal provides a unique opportunity to examine the role of signaling in auditor choice. Not surprisingly, many clients dismissed Andersen quickly after Enron declared bankruptcy – in some cases even before a replacement auditor was engaged – and lawsuits against the audit firm were mounted. However, many clients did not dismiss Andersen until its auditing practice was shut down by the court. This study investigates why some …