PurposeLabeling women as risk‐averse limits the positive benefits both women and organizations can gain from their risk taking. The purpose of this paper is to explore women's risk taking and reasons for stereotype persistence in order to inform human resource practice and women's career development.Design/methodology/approachThe paper draws on literature about gender and organizations to identify reasons for the persisting stereotype of women's risk aversion. Utilizing literature and concepts about risk appetite and decision making, the paper evaluates results of the Simmons Gender and Risk Survey database of 661 female managers.FindingsThe paper finds evidence of gender neutrality in risk propensity and decision making in specific managerial contexts other than portfolio allocation.Research limitations/implicationsMore in‐depth research is needed to explore the gender‐neutral motivators of risk decision making and to explore risk taking in a more diverse sample population.Practical implicationsThe paper explores why women's risk taking remains invisible even as they take risks and offers suggestions on how women and organizations may benefit from their risk‐taking activities.Originality/valueThe paper synthesizes evidence on risk taking and gender, and the evidence of female risk taking is an important antidote to persisting stereotypes. The paper outlines reasons for this stereotype persistence and implications for human resource development.

Purpose -By conducting the 2006 global Common Body of Knowledge (CBOK) study, The Institute of Internal Auditors (The IIA) attempts to better understand the expanding scope of internal auditing practice throughout the world. The purpose of this review of recent internal auditing literature in The Americas is to document how the internal audit function is changing in response to the shifts in global business practices. Design/methodology/approach -The literature in The Americas is reviewed with a focus on developments that have implications for the expanded scope of internal auditing and the changing skill sets of internal auditors. This focus has implications for CBOK 2006. Findings -The literature indicates a paradigm shift in the activities performed by internal auditors. The increasing complexity of business transactions, a more dynamic regulatory environment in the USA, and significant advances in information technology have resulted in opportunities and challenges for internal auditors. Although in 2004, The IIA responded to the changing organizational environment by updating the professional practices framework, more work needs to be done to prepare internal auditors for the expanded set of skills and knowledge required to perform audits of the future. Originality/value -By presenting an overview of past literature in The Americas and discussing the shifting demands on internal audit services, the researchers hope to motivate further research in the field.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss the objectives of enterprise‐wide risk management (ERM), the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (COSO) ERM Framework, and outline a method to implement ERM in organizations.Design/methodology/approachThis paper delineates ten steps organizations can use to develop a viable ERM system for any organization.FindingsIt is highly recommended that a high‐level risk officer with visible support from senior and board level executives has a separate function to oversee the development of an ERM department.Practical implicationsAlthough the internal audit department has a large role in evaluation and monitoring the ERM system, it is management's responsibility to develop a strong ERM function that ties corporate strategy, the budget, controls, and the entity's performance measurement systems to risk management.Originality/valueThe cost to the entity of implementing and maintaining of an ERM system is grossly out‐weighed by the results and knowledge gained in evaluating, assessing, and overseeing risk to insure achievement of strategic objectives over the short‐ and long‐term life of the organization.

Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to investigate differences in the degree of usage and

PurposeThe 2006 global Common Body of Knowledge (CBOK) study is part of an ongoing research program designed to document how internal auditing is practiced. The purpose of this paper is to summarize responses to three global surveys of internal auditors.Design/methodology/approachBased on literature reviews and a pre‐scope questionnaire, the researchers develop three questionnaires that are answered by internal auditors world wide. Topics in the questionnaires, which are translated from English into 16 languages, include the attributes of an effective internal audit activity (IAA); compliance with The Institute of Internal Auditor (IIA) Standards; internal auditor skills, competencies, and knowledge; internal audit tools and techniques; and emerging roles of the IAA.FindingsThe profession of internal auditing is a rich resource for organizations as the IAA monitors the adequacy and effectiveness of management's internal control framework and contributes to the integrity of corporate governance; risk assessment; and financial, operating, and IT systems.Practical implicationsThe participation of IIA members from 91 countries and 9,366 usable responses provides information about the evolving role of internal auditing as a value‐added activity that helps an organization manage its risks and take advantage of opportunities. The CBOK 2006 database can be used to improve the understanding of the current state of internal auditing practices; anticipate the use of new skills, tools, and technologies; and promote the enhancement of standardization and performance of internal auditing world wide.Originality/valueThis paper summarizes information in the most comprehensive database ever to capture a current view of the global state of the internal audit profession.