Do you write positive comments in audit reports

Should audit reports contain praise/positive comments? (not just neutral/negative)

  • Never. Praise and positive comments don't belong in an audit report.

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Total voters
    50
J

JaneB

#1
I'm curious about whether, when writing audit reports (internal/external) you write 'positive' comments (ie, comment on commendable things or things done well) or only note when things are wrong or not quite good enough.

Another discussion thread on audit got me thinking about this.
 
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Helmut Jilling

Auditor / Consultant
#2
I'm curious about whether, when writing audit reports (internal/external) you write 'positive' comments (ie, comment on commendable things or things done well) or only note when things are wrong or not quite good enough.

Another discussion thread on audit got me thinking about this.
When I see something noteworthy, I do. I give them a "Best Practice" or "Excellent Practice" as our registrar likes to call. Sometimes I identify things as a "Gold Star." But, I don't do it on every audit, only when it is deserved or it becomes cheap flattery. I also teach internal audits to look for it as well.

It is amazing how much of a motivator for further improvements it is.
 

howste

Thaumaturge
Super Moderator
#3
Absolutely! It helps to make the audit a little more positive. Also, in some cases it's good to point out things that are done well in one area that can be used in other areas to improve them as well.
 

harry

Super Moderator
#4
From the users point, I'll say I expect it. Most of our mind had been conditioned for the 'SWOT' analysis and all I need is to fill in the opportunities and thread part of the puzzle and arising out of that analysis, appropriate actions can be taken.

Over here, I do see it in most reports.
 

atitheya

Quite Involved in Discussions
#5
Always,

In fact, I start my closing meeting with positive comments. It helps to encourage people in their committment and also in their openness rather than trying to hide facts. They also become more receptive to what follows such as observations, non-conformances and opportunities for improvements.
 

Ajit Basrur

Staff member
Admin
#6
I voted for ALWAYS.

As Parag said, even I open the closing meetings with Strengths / Positives and echo whatever he said.

I feel if we are looking for continuous improvements, highlighting of positives is equally important in addition to negatives.
 
#7
Hi

My audit reports always carry the positive findings; in my opinion it is required to show that a particular audit issue had been visited and found to be in order. Otherwise, someone reading the report, say a few years (or even months) after the audit will not know the condition with respect to that particular point at the time of the audit. I am not sure if such a finding needs to be followed by praising the auditee; in my opinion the auditor brings out the truth and (s)he does not need to be a judge. In the same vein, the auditor has no right to "blame" or "reprimand" the auditee for non-conformance or non-compliance. I think that the auditee-auditor relationship is sensitive; any deviation from the code of conduct may be construed as a corrupt practice.

With best regards,

Ramakrishnan
 

GStough

Staff member
Super Moderator
#8
Always here. I also do this, as it lets the auditees know that they're doing a good job and which areas are stronger than others so they know where to improve ("points of concern" as our audit report calls them)....

A former manager of mine once taught me that it's good to point out the strengths or positive issues before mentioning the ones that need improvement because it helps the recipient accept the "bad news" a little easier. ;) Think of "a teaspoon of sugar helps the medicine go down". :lol:
 

SteelMaiden

Super Moderator
Super Moderator
#10
Even if an audit was mostly bad, I will find positive things to say. And, like others, I put the first in the report/meeting. I want people to realize we look for the good as well as the not so good. We are not the nonconformance police, but partners to help improve the way we do things.
 
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