The Role of Internal Audit in Enhancing Corporate Governance Principles and Risk Management in the Saudi Arabian Private Sector

Abstract

This study investigated the contribution of internal audit to improving corporate governance principles and strengthening risk management practices in Saudi private sector organizations. Amid increasing regulatory, operational, and technological pressures, internal audit has evolved beyond its traditional compliance function to become a governance mechanism that promotes transparency, accountability, and organizational resilience. The study adopted a quantitative research design based on the positivist paradigm. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire completed by professionals involved in internal audit and risk management functions. Descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, t-tests, ANOVA, chi-square tests, and regression analysis were conducted using SPSS. The findings indicate that internal audit efficacy significantly improves corporate governance implementation and risk management practices by enhancing transparency, accountability, board oversight, ethical compliance, and risk identification, assessment, and mitigation. Overall, strengthening internal audit capacity, independence, and integration with governance and risk management promotes organizational control, sustainable performance, effectiveness, and resilience.