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Consequences of CSR reporting regulations worldwide: a review and research agenda

Abdifatah Ahmed Haji (Department of Accounting, Faculty of Business and Law, Deakin University, Burwood, Australia)
Paul Coram (Adelaide Business School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia)
Indrit Troshani (Adelaide Business School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia)

Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal

ISSN: 0951-3574

Article publication date: 7 April 2022

Issue publication date: 10 January 2023

4125

Abstract

Purpose

This study reviews research that examines economic and behavioural consequences of CSR reporting regulations. Specifically, the authors evaluate the impact of CSR reporting regulations on (1) reporting quality, (2) capital-markets and (3) firm behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors first describe the stated objectives and enforcement level of CSR reporting regulations around the world. Second, the authors review over 130 archival studies in accounting, finance, economics, law and management that examine consequences of the regulations.

Findings

The stated objectives and enforcement of CSR reporting regulations vary considerably across countries. Empirical research finds no significant changes in reporting quality and generally concludes that CSR reporting continues to be ceremonial rather than substantive after the regulations – consistent with corporate legitimation and “greenwashing” views. In contrast, growing evidence shows both positive and negative capital-market and real effects of the regulations. Overall, the findings from this review indicate that, on balance, there remains a significant number of questions on the net effects of CSR reporting regulations.

Originality/value

The authors offer a comprehensive review of the literature examining consequences of CSR reporting regulations. The authors identify apparent tensions in studies assessing different outcomes after the regulations: between symbolic reporting and positive capital-market outcomes; between profitability and CSR; and between CSR and the welfare of non-shareholder groups. Additionally, we highlight differences in the scope and stated objectives of CSR regulations across countries, with the regulations often reflecting socio-economic development and national interests of implementing countries. Collectively, our review indicates that institutional details are crucial when considering the design or consequences of CSR reporting regulations and/or standards.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

For helpful comments and suggestions, the authors thank Lee Parker (Editor), anonymous reviewers, Gary Monroe, Jeffrey Cohen, Robert Knechel, Naomi Soderstrom, Nate Sharp, Ulf Brüggemann, David Hay, VG Sridharan and Belen Blanco. The authors also thank participants at the 2019 AFAANZ Conference, and especially an anonymous Conference reviewer. Haji gratefully acknowledges financial support provided by the Adelaide Business School.

Citation

Haji, A.A., Coram, P. and Troshani, I. (2023), "Consequences of CSR reporting regulations worldwide: a review and research agenda", Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, Vol. 36 No. 1, pp. 177-208. https://doi.org/10.1108/AAAJ-05-2020-4571

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2022, Emerald Publishing Limited

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