Which of the following is one of the three pillars of effective internal audit services?

One of the three pillars of effective internal audit services is independence and objectivity. This principle is essential because it ensures that internal auditors remain impartial and free from conflicts of interest when evaluating an organization’s operations and processes. Independence allows auditors to provide unbiased assessments and recommendations, fostering trust and credibility within the organization.

When internal auditors can operate without undue influence from management or other stakeholders, they are more likely to identify risks and issues accurately. This objectivity enhances the overall effectiveness of the internal audit function, enabling it to fulfill its role in supporting the organization’s governance, risk management, and control processes.

The other options do not reflect the foundational principles of effective internal audit services. Cost efficiency, while important in resource management, does not address the need for unbiased evaluation. Popularity among staff is not a measure of effective auditing, as it may compromise objectivity. Meeting compliance requirements is part of internal audits' responsibilities, but it is not one of the core pillars that define their effectiveness. Instead, effective audit services hinge on independence, objectivity, and a strong positioning within the organization to facilitate genuine assessments and improvements.