Final answer:
The main objective of an operational audit is to make recommendations for improving performance within an organization, distinct from financial audits or checking GAAP compliance.
Step-by-step explanation:
The objective of an operational audit is to make recommendations for improving performance. This includes assessing the efficiency and effectiveness of operations and providing insights on how to enhance the processes within an organization.
An operational audit does not focus on whether the financial statements fairly present the entity's operations (which is the goal of a financial audit), nor does it primarily determine if the auditee is in compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), or report on the entity's relative success in attaining profit maximization.
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) exemplifies an agency providing similar services, such as auditing and evaluation, to Congress with an objective stance and for the purpose of oversight and accountability.
The GAO's annual performance and accountability report is a type of operational audit for the agency itself, assessing achievements and weaknesses, backed by statistics and factual information to support its findings.
Therefore, the correct answer is C) make recommendations for improving performance.