What can result from a lack of compliance documentation?

A lack of compliance documentation can lead to significant challenges when it comes to proving adherence to regulations during audits or investigations. Compliance documentation serves as a record of the processes, policies, and procedures a company has in place to comply with legal and regulatory requirements. Without comprehensive and well-organized documentation, organizations may find it difficult to demonstrate that they have followed the necessary guidelines and protocols. This can hinder their ability to defend themselves during audits, potentially leading to penalties, fines, or other legal consequences. Strong compliance documentation not only aids in meeting regulatory expectations but also provides assurance to stakeholders that the organization operates ethically and within legal boundaries.

The other options suggest positive outcomes that are generally associated with effective compliance practices. However, these benefits are unlikely to occur without proper and thorough documentation in place.