Final answer:
Elements of a control environment according to COSO include commitment to control, reward systems, and tone at the top of an organization. The correct answer is all of these elements are included, so the response is "d. all of the above." These elements form the foundation that influences the organization's control consciousness.
Step-by-step explanation:
Elements of a control environment as described in COSO (the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission) include various factors that contribute to the effectiveness of an organization's internal control. The control environment is the foundation for all other components of internal control, setting the tone of an organization and influencing the control consciousness of its people.
Options a, b, and c, which are commitment to the importance of control, reward systems, and tone at the top of the organization, are indeed elements of a control environment. Hence, the correct answer to the question is "d. all of the above" as all these elements collectively play a crucial role in fostering a robust control environment.The 'commitment to the importance of control' represents the organization’s commitment to a disciplined approach. Reward systems help in aligning the behavior of individuals with the organization’s goals and objectives, including those related to control. Lastly, 'tone at the top' refers to the ethical atmosphere that is created by the organization's leadership and is crucial for a healthy control environment.