Value and Behavioral Accounting

Value and Behavioral Accounting

Fraud Brainstorming Group Composition in Auditing: The Persuasive Power of a Skeptical Minority

Authors
1 Accounting Department, Faculty of Management and Economics, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran. (Corresponding Auther).
2 Accounting Department, Faculty of Management and Economics, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran. jafari.m@uk.ac.ir
Abstract
This paper experimentally examine the effect of the composition of fraud brainstorming group on fraud brainstorming performance and the judgments of the group after the fraud brainstorming. The statistical population of this research includes 93 graduate accounting and auditing students at Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman in 2024. To investigate hypotheses, independent-sample t-test and one-way analysis of variance test were used. Results indicate that groups with a minority of high trait skeptics assess fraud risk more than control groups with no high trait skeptics. Also, results indicate low trait skeptics who brainstorm in groups with a minority of high trait skeptics tend to view the minority high trait skeptic as the best member of the group because of that member’s unique insights. Their individual, post-brainstorming fraud risk assessments remain high, indicating conversion to the minority (skeptical) viewpoint. This paper highlights the importance of group composition. It suggests that firms can promote skeptical team judgments by leveraging individuals’ high trait skepticism in thoughtfully composed interacting groups.


Keywords

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Volume 10, Issue 20
September 2025
Pages 345-383

  • Receive Date 08 June 2026