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Non-financial reporting and corporate governance: a conceptual framework

Ruth Dimes (Department of Accounting and Finance, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand)
Matteo Molinari (Department of Accounting and Finance, Kent Business School, Canterbury, UK)

Sustainability Accounting, Management and Policy Journal

ISSN: 2040-8021

Article publication date: 3 April 2023

Issue publication date: 30 October 2024

1027

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a conceptual framework informed by a literature review. This framework aims to deepen and broaden the understanding of the relationship between corporate governance mechanisms and non-financial reporting (NFR) through qualitative research approaches.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of corporate governance and NFR literature and existing research frameworks leads to the development of a conceptual framework to encourage future qualitative accounting research on the corporate governance mechanisms for NFR.

Findings

Few studies consider the complex interrelationships between NFR and corporate governance mechanisms. Quantitative studies using secondary data sources dominate accounting research on the topic. Of the small number of qualitative studies, many are theoretical and offer little new knowledge about the effectiveness of corporate governance mechanisms in practice. The research framework, developed from a literature review and consideration of multiple qualitative approaches, proposes numerous avenues for future research.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is based on a scoping review of the literature using peer-reviewed journal papers. Other researchers may have identified additional literature for inclusion, including grey literature.

Practical implications

More qualitative research into NFR and corporate governance mechanisms may help to guide practitioners seeking to incorporate sustainability into their governance practices.

Social implications

The critical relationship between NRF and corporate governance is under-explored in research yet has significant consequences for organisations pursuing sustainability.

Originality/value

The authors develop a conceptual framework for qualitative accounting research on NFR and corporate governance, addressing key outstanding questions in this area and considering different theoretical perspectives when approaching this critical topic. Although there is scope for further research in general in this promising area, including quantitative reviews and discursive studies, qualitative research would be of particular value. The authors also outline multiple directions for nurturing academic debate.

Keywords

Citation

Dimes, R. and Molinari, M. (2024), "Non-financial reporting and corporate governance: a conceptual framework", Sustainability Accounting, Management and Policy Journal, Vol. 15 No. 5, pp. 1067-1093. https://doi.org/10.1108/SAMPJ-04-2022-0212

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2023, Emerald Publishing Limited

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