Worldwide data has been collected via a forum for internal auditors on LinkedIn, where they were asked, “If you were asked to write down a catchline, to sum up your role as internal auditors in your organization, what would it be?” The analysis of how internal auditors view themselves may explain why some are on a route to marginalization and disappointment while others embark on a more promising path, creating a positive, unique and sustainable identity, as suggested by recent studies.

This article aims to critically analyze internal auditors' self-images in light of the metaphors and short descriptions they use to describe their role(s) in their organization.