What are the advantages and disadvantages of opinion shopping in auditing?

Opinion shopping in auditing, where companies seek favorable opinions from multiple auditors, can provide advantages such as potentially finding a more lenient auditor who may overlook certain issues, which can result in a more favorable financial outlook. However, disadvantages include the risk of undermining the integrity of the audit process, as it may lead to a lack of accountability and transparency. Additionally, this practice can damage the auditor's reputation and erode stakeholder trust if discovered, potentially leading to regulatory scrutiny and negative consequences for the company involved.