What might happen to audit findings that are not addressed in a timely manner?

Audit findings that are not addressed in a timely manner can indeed be dispositioned due to more urgent issues. This means that if there are more pressing matters or critical findings that require immediate attention, the unaddressed findings may be deprioritized. In a busy organizational environment, especially in audits, resources such as time and personnel are often limited. Therefore, when urgent matters arise, they can take precedence over findings that might not seem as critical, even though they still require resolution eventually.

This situation can lead to a backlog of findings that accumulate over time, which could hinder an organization's ability to address compliance and operational issues effectively. Failing to address findings promptly could ultimately expose the organization to increased risks, as unresolved issues may remain in the system without corrective actions being implemented.

In contrast, the other options suggest outcomes that misunderstand the nature of audit findings. Immediate disposal, automatic resolution, or being ignored altogether do not accurately reflect the typical processes or consequences of unresolved audit findings in a rigorous audit environment. Organizations generally aim for a systematic approach to audits, and findings are typically documented and tracked for follow-up, even if they are temporarily set aside.