Which of the following is an example of a qualitative factor affecting auditing?

The internal control environment is an example of a qualitative factor affecting auditing because it encompasses the policies, procedures, and culture within an organization that influence how effectively internal controls are implemented. Auditors assess the internal control environment to determine the reliability of financial reporting and to identify any risks of material misstatement. This qualitative factor reflects the tone set by management, the organizational structure, and the commitment to ethical behavior, which are not quantifiable like numerical data or financial metrics.

In contrast, financial ratios and metrics, market competition, and revenue growth are predominantly quantitative factors that can be measured with numerical data. These factors play a role in the overall assessment of an organization’s performance but do not capture the qualitative aspects of the internal control environment, which are vital for auditors to understand the context in which the financial statements are prepared.