Which of the following is a benefit of conducting external audits?

Conducting external audits is beneficial primarily because they provide a framework for developing remedies for isolated issues. This process allows organizations to gain an outside perspective on their operations, identifying weaknesses or areas of non-compliance that might not be evident from within. External auditors are often more objective and can help determine the root causes of specific problems, leading to actionable recommendations that can improve overall performance and compliance.

This external viewpoint can also enhance the credibility of the audit findings. By benchmarking against industry standards and best practices, an external audit offers insights that can guide strategic planning, inform policy adjustments, and strengthen compliance efforts. Addressing the identified issues helps organizations not only to remedy current shortcomings but also to prevent future occurrences.

In contrast, guarantees of compliance are unrealistic as regulations can evolve, and total compliance requires continuous monitoring and adjustment. While external audits deliver valuable insights, they do not eliminate the necessity of internal audits; both types of audits serve distinct but complementary purposes in a comprehensive compliance strategy. Additionally, external audits are generally considered more objective than internal audits due to the independent nature of the auditors, rather than less objective.