What effect might providing staff with advanced notification of an audit have?

Providing staff with advanced notification of an audit can significantly influence their behavior and the outcomes of the audit process. One of the key effects of such notification is that it can improve their productivity and the quality of their work. When staff are aware of an upcoming audit, they may take extra steps to ensure their documentation and practices are compliant with regulations and standards. This awareness often motivates employees to perform their duties with greater diligence, foreseeing the potential for evaluation and scrutiny.

Additionally, advanced notice can create a situation where there is an opportunity for a cover-up of prior issues. If employees know they will be audited, they might attempt to rectify deficiencies or, in some cases, conceal any previous non-compliance to present a facade of adherence to regulations.

Thus, the nuanced impact of providing notification includes fostering an environment that encourages better performance while also exposing vulnerabilities in compliance practices. It is this duality of promoting positive behavior while also potentially allowing for negative practices that underpins the reasoning for selecting both improved productivity and the risk of cover-ups as correct aspects of the scenario presented.