Auditor independence is a crucial factor in ensuring the credibility of financial statements and the smooth operation of capital markets. Instead of focusing on making auditors more independent, the study suggests examining the relationships auditors have with the auditee, audit committee, and audit firm. By emphasizing these relationships, regulators can better assess whether auditors are fulfilling their audit purpose effectively. This shift in perspective may lead to improved policy decisions in the current audit environment, including evaluating the impact of consulting and personal relationships with auditees, enhancing public perception, and reviewing compensation and marketing practices of accounting firms.