Final answer:
Option A, the financial control engagement relating to payroll procedures, is likely to be the most objective. This is because it involves quantitative data that can be objectively measured and verified, as opposed to the qualitative nature of some other options. The correct option is A. Financial control engagement relating to payroll procedures.
Step-by-step explanation:
When assessing the objectivity of different internal audit engagements, it is crucial to understand that objectivity refers to the unbiased mental attitude that internal auditors should maintain when conducting audits. Among the options given:
- Financial control engagement relating to payroll procedures is likely to involve quantitative data, making it more objective.
- Operational engagement relating to the personnel function's hiring and firing procedures could involve qualitative judgments, which might be less objective.
- Compliance engagement relating to an organization's overtime policy tends to be more objective as it involves checking against defined rules or standards.
- Performance engagement relating to the marketing department could involve both quantitative and qualitative assessments, making it potentially less objective.
Therefore, option A, the financial control engagement relating to payroll procedures, is likely to be the most objective as it relies heavily on quantitative data, which can be measured and verified against established criteria. The correct option is A. Financial control engagement relating to payroll procedures.