What aspect of corporate governance did SOX significantly influence?

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX), enacted in 2002, had a profound impact on accounting practices and transparency within corporations. This legislation was established in response to high-profile financial scandals such as Enron and WorldCom, which highlighted severe deficiencies in corporate financial reporting and oversight.

SOX introduced strict reforms designed to improve the accuracy and reliability of corporate disclosures. It mandated greater accountability from senior management, requiring them to personally certify the accuracy of financial statements and established harsher penalties for fraudulent financial activity. Additionally, the act imposed requirements for more rigorous internal controls over financial reporting. This enhanced oversight is intended to restore public confidence in corporate financial practices and increase transparency for investors and stakeholders.

In this context, the emphasis on accounting practices and transparency directly aligns with the major changes brought on by SOX, making this the correct answer. The other options, while relevant to corporate operations, do not reflect the specific focus of SOX on financial integrity and regulatory compliance.