Search results
1 – 10 of 29María Angela Prialé, Jorge E. Dávalos, Brian Daza and E. Frances Ninahuanca
The purpose of this paper is to identify the causal (not correlational) effect of women’s entrepreneurship on corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices in Latin America.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify the causal (not correlational) effect of women’s entrepreneurship on corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices in Latin America.
Design/methodology/approach
This study builds on a hitherto unexploited sparse data set on Latin American B Corporations to identify the causal relationship of interest and on a (synthetic) instrumental variable method.
Findings
The results confirm that women’s entrepreneurship has a positive causal effect on social responsibility. This study finds that an increase of 1% in the proportion of women entrepreneurs leads to an increase of 0.5 in the B Impact Assessment score, the CSR indicator.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the literature by providing robust statistical evidence of a causal relationship between women entrepreneurs and social responsibility practices in the Latin American context. This research captures the multidimensional nature of social responsibility by using a comprehensive and vast metric of CSR obtained from the data of the B Impact Assessment tool. This study illustrates how machine learning methods can be used to address the lack of structure of the Latin American B Impact Assessment data.
Propósito
El propósito de esta investigación es identificar el efecto causal (no correlacional) del emprendimiento de mujeres en las prácticas de responsabilidad social empresarial (RSE) en América Latina.
Metodología
Nos basamos en un conjunto de datos escasamente explorado hasta el momento sobre las Empresas B en América Latina para identificar la relación causal de interés, y utilizamos un método de Variables Instrumentales (VI) sintéticas.
Hallazgos
Nuestros resultados verifican el efecto causal positivo del emprendimiento de las mujeres en la responsabilidad social. Descubrimos que un aumento del 1% en la proporción de mujeres emprendedoras conduce a un aumento de 0.5 en la puntuación de la Evaluación de Impacto B, nuestro indicador de RSE.
Originalidad
Contribuimos a la literatura proporcionando evidencia estadística sólida de una relación causal entre emprendedoras mujeres y prácticas de responsabilidad social en el contexto de América Latina. Esta investigación captura la naturaleza multidimensional de la responsabilidad social mediante el uso de una métrica amplia y vasta de RSE obtenida de los datos de la herramienta de Evaluación de Impacto B. Ilustramos cómo se pueden utilizar métodos de aprendizaje automático para abordar la falta de estructura de los datos de evaluación de impacto B en América Latina.
Objetivo
O propósito desta pesquisa é identificar o efeito causal (não correlacional) do empreendedorismo feminino nas práticas de responsabilidade social corporativa (RSC) na América Latina.
Metodologia
Baseamo-nos em um conjunto de dados escasso até então não explorado sobre as Empresas B na América Latina para identificar a relação causal de interesse, e utilizamos um método de Variáveis Instrumentais (VI) sintéticas.
Resultados
Nossos resultados verificam o efeito causal positivo do empreendedorismo feminino na responsabilidade social. Descobrimos que um aumento de 1% na proporção de mulheres empreendedoras leva a um aumento de 0,5 no escore de Avaliação de Impacto B, nosso indicador de RSC.
Originalidade
Contribuímos para a literatura fornecendo evidências estatísticas robustas de uma relação causal entre empreendedoras mulheres e práticas de responsabilidade social na América Latina. Esta pesquisa captura a natureza multidimensional da responsabilidade social usando uma métrica abrangente e vasta de RSC obtida a partir dos dados da ferramenta de Avaliação de Impacto B. Ilustramos como métodos de aprendizado de máquina podem ser usados para lidar com a falta de estrutura dos dados de avaliação de impacto B na América Latina.
Details
Keywords
- B corporations
- Social responsibility
- Women’s entrepreneurship
- Instrumental variables
- Causal relationships
- Corporate social responsibility
- Empresas B
- Responsabilidad social
- Emprendimiento de mujeres
- Variables instrumentales
- Relaciones causales
- Empresas B
- Responsabilidade social
- Empreendedorismo feminino
- Variáveis instrumentais
- Relações causais
Laura Guillermina Duarte Caceres and Antonio Emmanuel Perez Brito
Gabriela Scur, Roberta de Castro Souza Pião, William Jeferson Vieira De Souza and Mary Fernanda de Sousa De Melo
The ceramic tile chain can generate several environmental impacts, from raw material extraction to the production process, commercialization, consumption, maintenance and…
Abstract
Purpose
The ceramic tile chain can generate several environmental impacts, from raw material extraction to the production process, commercialization, consumption, maintenance and disposal. One of the open issues remaining in the literature on socially responsible supply chains, also known as responsible supply chains, is understanding how corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices are being implemented in ceramic tile companies in Brazil.
Design/methodology/approach
The method adopted is a multiple-case study. The authors conducted face-to-face interviews with six ceramic producers and a trade association. The authors also conducted eight interviews with specialists in the ceramic sector. They are two university professors, two class association representatives, one professional from a technological institute, two representatives of the inspection body and one supplier.
Findings
Companies perform on a compliance basis, manifesting a less proactive position when the subject is CSR. In addition, the CSR practices established by the companies are preferably aimed at reducing costs and risks and increasing reputation. Practices in terms of eco-design are linked to lowering costs and growing reputation, as seen from the reduction in the use of inputs and improvements in packaging to minimize costs. These practices improve the company’s reputation from the consumers' perspective. Environmental aspects are dominant due to the legislation.
Originality/value
This paper contributes theoretically since it identifies, from the companies' perspective, the CSR practices related to risk, cost reduction and reputation increase. There are also opportunities to be explored for facilitating their efforts towards a sustainable business model, especially considering the social dimension. From a managerial perspective, this paper provides some input for implementing CSR actions, mainly regarding their implications for society and local communities.
Propósito
La cadena de revestimiento cerámico puede generar diversos impactos ambientales, desde la extracción de la materia prima hasta el proceso de producción, comercialización, consumo, mantenimiento y disposición. Una de las cuestiones abiertas que quedan en la literatura sobre cadenas de suministro socialmente responsables, también conocidas como cadenas de suministro responsables, es comprender cómo se están implementando prácticas de responsabilidad social empresarial en las empresas de revestimientos cerámicos en Brasil.
Metodología
El método utilizado en el estudio es un estudio de casos múltiples. Realizamos entrevistas cara a cara con 6 productores de cerámica y una asociación comercial. También recibimos información de 8 especialistas representantes de organizaciones relacionadas con el sector cerámico; 2 profesores universitarios; 2 representantes de asociaciones de clase; 1 profesional de instituto tecnológico; 2 representantes del organismo de control; y 1 proveedor de esmaltes.
Hallazgos
Las empresas actúan sobre la base del cumplimiento, manifestando una posición menos proactiva cuando el tema es la RSE. Además, las prácticas de RSC establecidas por las empresas están preferentemente encaminadas a la reducción de costes y riesgos y al aumento de la reputación. Las prácticas en materia de ecodiseño están esencialmente ligadas a la reducción de costos y al aumento de la reputación, a partir de la reducción en el uso de insumos y mejoras en los empaques para minimizar costos. Estas prácticas mejoran la reputación de la empresa desde la perspectiva de los consumidores. Los aspectos ambientales son dominantes debido a la legislación.
Originalidad
Este trabajo aporta teóricamente ya que identifica, desde la perspectiva de las empresas, las prácticas de RSE relacionadas con el riesgo, la reducción de costos y el aumento de la reputación. También hay oportunidades por explorar para facilitar sus esfuerzos hacia un modelo de negocio sostenible, especialmente teniendo en cuenta la dimensión social. Desde la perspectiva gerencial, este documento proporciona algunos insumos para la toma de decisiones sobre la implementación de acciones de RSE, principalmente en lo que respecta a las implicaciones para la sociedad y las comunidades locales.
Details
Keywords
Alan Bandeira Pinheiro, Joina Ijuniclair Arruda Silva dos Santos, Danielle Mantovani Lucena da Silva, Andréa Paula Segatto and Jose Carlos Korelo
This study aims to examine the effect of corporate governance mechanisms on social responsibility in Latin America.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the effect of corporate governance mechanisms on social responsibility in Latin America.
Design/methodology/approach
The hypotheses were tested using a sample of 371 companies based in eight Latin American countries, resulting in 4,823 observations.
Findings
The results show that more independent boards, with greater female representation and the presence of a sustainability committee lead companies to behave more ethically. The findings indicate that corporate governance mechanisms play an important role for companies to engage in social responsibility actions.
Practical implications
Governments can use these findings to draft regulations that encourage Latin American companies to disclose more non-financial information and to support a more diverse board composition. The evidence shows that the quality of national governance plays a key role in times of crisis by encouraging more responsible behavior by companies.
Originality/value
This study broadens the scope of application of agency theory and the resource-based view by demonstrating that the board of directors is a unique composition and that organizations must understand how to balance external and internal members on their boards in order to achieve higher social and environmental performance.
Propósito
Este estudio tiene como objetivo examinar el efecto de los mecanismos de gobierno corporativo en la responsabilidad social en América Latina.
Diseño/metodología/enfoque
Las hipótesis se probaron utilizando una muestra de 371 empresas con sede en 8 países de América Latina, lo que resultó en 4.823 observaciones.
Hallazgos
Los resultados muestran que directorios más independientes, con mayor representación femenina y la presencia de un comité de sustentabilidad llevan a las empresas a comportarse de manera más ética. Los hallazgos indican que los mecanismos de gobierno corporativo juegan un papel importante para que las empresas realicen acciones de responsabilidad social.
Originalidad
Este estudio amplía el alcance de la aplicación de la teoría de la agencia y la visión basada en los recursos al demostrar que la junta directiva es una composición única y que las organizaciones deben entender cómo equilibrar los miembros externos e internos en sus juntas para lograr un mayor impacto social. y desempeño ambiental.
Implicaciones prácticas
Los gobiernos pueden usar estos hallazgos para redactar regulaciones que alienten a las empresas latinoamericanas a divulgar más información no financiera y apoyar una composición de directorio más diversa. Nuestra evidencia muestra que la calidad de la gobernanza nacional juega un papel clave en tiempos de crisis al fomentar un comportamiento más responsable por parte de las empresas.
Details
Keywords
Julia Vasconcelos Furtado, Antonio Carrizo Moreira, Ricardo Gouveia Rodrigues and Jorge Humberto F. Mota
Research on organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) has been based on Western developed economies’ samples (or specific Eastern countries such as China and Saudi Arabia)…
Abstract
Purpose
Research on organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) has been based on Western developed economies’ samples (or specific Eastern countries such as China and Saudi Arabia), lacking attention to developing contexts (Latin America). Even though OCBs’ antecedents in the Global North context have been thoroughly explored, Corporate Social Responsibility’s (CSR) perceptions and organizational commitment’s (OC) roles are “under-studied” in such developing contexts. This study aims to respond to the call for research on the behavioral perspective on CSR in Latin America, challenging implicit assumptions of theories developed in Western developed countries, related to the employees’ CSR perceptions and OC and OCB research.
Design/methodology/approach
In a postpositivist approach, the authors tested whether CSR and OC directly affect OCB, exploring OCB’s five dimensions – altruism, courtesy, consciousness, civic virtue and sportsmanship, with a main hypothesis that CSR and OC directly affect OCBs. The sample comprises responses from 1,059 employees from public and private Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Brazil – the largest economy in Latin America, yet a collectivistic society developing country, in which OCB phenomena is still underexplored or done to a lesser extent.
Findings
Whenever positively perceiving their organizations’ CSR activities, employees identify strongly with the organization, influencing positive job outcomes such as OC and OCBs. Findings indicate that despite not perfectly fitting non-North American contexts, the OCB five-dimension structure is positively related to employees’ CSR perception, confirming OC’s stronger role in the Brazilian context. Indeed, findings confirm OC’s influence over all OCB dimensions, re-stating it as a stronger predictor of behaviors like consciousness (compliance), civic virtue and sportsmanship.
Originality/value
This research accepted the challenge of bringing OC back to OCB research. Indeed, seminal work had implied OC as a robust and significant predictor of the OCB, yet in Western developed economies. The scarcity of research on the matter in developing collectivist economies such as Brazil, justifies this study’s novelty and appropriateness.
Objetivo
La investigación sobre el organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) se ha basado en muestras de economías desarrolladas occidentales (o países orientales específicos como China y Arabia Saudita), sin prestar atención a los contextos en desarrollo (América Latina). Aunque se han explorado a fondo los antecedentes de las OCB en el contexto del Hemisferio Norte Global, las percepciones de la Responsabilidad Social Empresarial (RSE) y los roles del compromiso organizacional (CO) están “poco estudiados” en tales contextos en desarrollo. Respondemos al llamado a investigar la perspectiva conductual de la RSE en América Latina, desafiando los supuestos implícitos de las teorías desarrolladas en los países desarrollados occidentales, relacionadas con las percepciones de RSE de los empleados y las investigaciones sobre OC y OCB.
Diseño/metodología/enfoque
En un enfoque pos-positivista, probamos si la RSE y el OC afectan directamente al OCB, explorando las cinco dimensiones del OCB: altruismo, cortesía, conciencia, virtud cívica y espíritu deportivo, con la hipótesis principal de que la RSE y el OC afectan directamente a los OCB. La muestra comprende respuestas de 1.059 empleados de instituciones de educación superior (IES) públicas y privadas en Brasil, la economía más grande de América Latina, pero un país en desarrollo con una sociedad colectivista, en el que los fenómenos OCB aún están poco explorados o se realizan en menor medida.
Resultados
Siempre que perciben positivamente las actividades de RSE de sus organizaciones, los empleados se identifican fuertemente con la organización, lo que influye en resultados laborales positivos, como OC y OCB. Los hallazgos indican que, a pesar de no encajar perfectamente en contextos fuera de América del Norte, la estructura de cinco dimensiones de OCB está positivamente relacionada con la percepción de RSE de los empleados, lo que confirma el papel más fuerte del OC en el contexto brasileño. De hecho, los hallazgos confirman la influencia del compromiso organizacional sobre todas las dimensiones del OCB, reformándolo como un predictor más fuerte de comportamientos como la conciencia (cumplimiento), la virtud cívica y el espíritu deportivo.
Originalidad
Esta investigación aceptó el desafío de devolver el OC a la investigación de OCB. De hecho, un trabajo fundamental había implicado que el OC era un predictor sólido y significativo del OCB, incluso en las economías desarrolladas occidentales. La escasez de investigaciones sobre el tema en economías colectivistas en desarrollo como Brasil, justifica la novedad y pertinencia de este estudio.
Propósito
A investigação sobre o comportamento de organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) tem-se baseado em amostras de economias desenvolvidas ocidentais (ou de países orientais específicos, como a China e a Arábia Saudita), sem atenção aos contextos em desenvolvimento (América Latina). Embora os antecedentes dos OCBs no contexto do Hemifério Norte tenham sido exaustivamente explorados, as percepções da Responsabilidade Social Corporativa (RSE) e os papéis do organizational commitment (OC) são “subestudados” nesses contextos em desenvolvimento. Respondemos ao apelo por pesquisas sobre a perspectiva comportamental da RSE na América Latina, desafiando pressupostos implícitos de teorias desenvolvidas nos países ocidentais desenvolvidos, relacionadas às percepções de RSC dos funcionários e às pesquisas de OC e OCB.
Design/metodologia/abordagem
Numa abordagem pós-positivista, testamos se a Responsabilidade Social Corporativa e o OC afectam directamente o OCB, explorando as cinco dimensões do OCB – altruísmo, cortesia, consciência, virtude cívica e espírito desportivo, com a hipótese principal de que a RSE e o OC afectam directamente os OCB. A amostra compreende respostas de 1.059 funcionários de Instituições de Ensino Superior (IES) públicas e privadas do Brasil – a maior economia da América Latina, mas um país em desenvolvimento com sociedade coletivista, no qual o fenômeno do OCB ainda é subexplorado ou realizado em menor grau.
Resultados
Sempre que percebem positivamente as atividades de RSE das suas organizações, os funcionários identificam-se fortemente com a organização, influenciando resultados positivos do trabalho, como OC e OCBs. Os resultados indicam que, apesar de não se ajustar perfeitamente aos contextos não norte-americanos, a estrutura de cinco dimensões do OCB está positivamente relacionada com a percepção de RSE dos funcionários, confirmando o papel mais forte do OC no contexto brasileiro. Na verdade, os resultados confirmam a influência do compromisso organizacional sobre todas as dimensões do OCB, reafirmando-o como um preditor mais forte de comportamentos como consciência (conformidade), virtude cívica e espírito desportivo.
Originalidade
Esta pesquisa aceitou o desafio de trazer o OC de volta à pesquisa de OCB. Na verdade, o trabalho seminal tinha implicado o OC como um preditor robusto e significativo do OCB, ainda nas economias desenvolvidas ocidentais. A escassez de pesquisas sobre o assunto nas economias coletivistas em desenvolvimento, como o Brasil, justifica a novidade e a adequação deste estudo.
Details
Keywords
- Organizational citizenship behavior
- Organizational commitment
- Social identity theory
- Higher education institutions
- Corporate social responsibility
- Latin America
- Developing economies
- Comportamiento ciudadano organizacional
- Compromiso organizacional
- Teoría de la identidad social
- Instituciones de educación superior
- Responsabilidad social corporativa
- América Latina
- Economías en desarrollo
- Comportamento de cidadania organizacional
- Compromisso organizacional
- Teoria da identidade social
- Instituições de ensino superior
- Responsabilidade social corporativa
- América Latina
- Economias em desenvolvimento
Julianna Paola Ramirez Lozano, Renato Peñaflor Guerra and M. Victoria Sanagustin-Fons
This study aims to analyze the responsible consumption of Generation Z and millennials in the Latin American market, with special emphasis on the Peruvian case, to identify their…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to analyze the responsible consumption of Generation Z and millennials in the Latin American market, with special emphasis on the Peruvian case, to identify their differences with consumers born in 1980 and earlier and to evaluate their contribution to Sustainable Development Goal 12.
Design/methodology/approach
The study was conducted on a sample of 309 persons living in Lima. After developing and validating an instrument, an online questionnaire was used to collect data. These data were analyzed descriptively and inferentially, using chi-square tests to validate the relationship between variables.
Findings
The study identifies and explains the new trend of responsible consumption among Generation Z and millennials in emerging markets, where end consumers interact with and prefer products and services from companies that demonstrate responsible behavior and offer trust. It identifies new consumption variables that go beyond the traditional ones.
Research limitations/implications
The study reveals a trend in the responsible consumption of Generation Z and millennials in Peru. However, it is necessary to complement the study in other countries in the region, as well as to study the new generations, such as the alpha generation and their consumption patterns.
Practical implications
The new trend of responsible consumption among Generation Z and millennials is forcing companies to implement strategies and develop corporate social responsibility programs. These companies must demonstrate ethical, environmental, socially responsible and sustainable behaviors in their daily operations to satisfy their stakeholders.
Originality/value
The study reveals a new trend in Peru, a developing country, where the market – the end consumer – is more informed and therefore demands better corporate performance from companies, including care for the environment and a contribution to society that includes a good relationship with its stakeholders.
Objetivo
Analizar el consumo responsable de la Generación Z y Millennials en el mercado latinoamericano, con especial énfasis en el caso peruano, con el fin de identificar sus diferencias con los consumidores nacidos en 1980 y antes y evaluar su contribución al Objetivo de Desarrollo Sostenible (ODS) 12.
Diseño/metodología/enfoque
El estudio se realizó sobre una muestra de 309 personas residentes en Lima. Después de desarrollar y validar un instrumento, se utilizó un cuestionario en línea para recopilar datos. Estos datos fueron analizados de forma descriptiva e inferencial, utilizando pruebas de chi-cuadrado para validar la relación entre variables.
Resultados
El estudio identifica y explica la nueva tendencia de consumo responsable entre los Millennials y la Generación Z en los mercados emergentes, donde los consumidores finales interactúan y prefieren productos y servicios de empresas que demuestran un comportamiento responsable y ofrecen confianza. Identifica nuevas variables de consumo que van más allá de las tradicionales.
Originalidad/valor
El estudio revela una nueva tendencia en Perú, un país en desarrollo, donde el mercado -el consumidor final- está más informado y por tanto exige a las empresas un mejor desempeño corporativo, incluido el cuidado del medio ambiente y un aporte a la sociedad que incluye una buena relación con sus clientes y partes interesadas.
Limitaciones/implicaciones
El estudio revela una tendencia en el consumo responsable en la Generacion Z y Millennials en el Perú. Sin embargo, es necesario complementar el estudio en otros países de la región, así como estudiar las nuevas generaciones, como la generación alfa, y sus patrones de consumo.
Implicaciones prácticas
La nueva tendencia de consumo responsable entre la Generación Z y Millennials y obligando a las empresas a implementar estrategias y desarrollar programas de responsabilidad social corporativa. Estas empresas deben demostrar comportamientos éticos, ambientales, socialmente responsables y sostenibles en sus operaciones diarias para satisfacer a sus grupos de interés.
Details
Keywords
Stefanía Carolina Posadas, Silvia Ruiz-Blanco, Belen Fernandez-Feijoo and Lara Tarquinio
This paper aims to analyse the impact of the European Union (EU) Directive on the quality of sustainability reporting under the institutional theory lens. Specifically, the…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to analyse the impact of the European Union (EU) Directive on the quality of sustainability reporting under the institutional theory lens. Specifically, the authors evaluate what kind of institutional pressure has the highest impact on the quality of corporate disclosure on sustainability issues.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors build a quality index based on the content analysis of sustainability information disclosed, before and after the transposition of the Directive, by Italian and Spanish companies belonging to different industries. The authors use an OLS regression model to analyse the effect of coercive, normative and mimetic forces on the quality of the sustainability reports.
Findings
The results highlight that normative and mimetic mechanisms positively affect the quality of sustainability reporting, whereas there is no evidence regarding coercive mechanisms, indicating that the new requirements do not provide a significant contribution to the development of better reporting practices, at least in the two analysed countries.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the few studies assessing the quality of sustainability reporting through an analysis involving the period before and after the implementation of the EU Directive. It enriches the literature on institutional theory by analysing how the different dimensions of isomorphism affect the quality of information disclosed by companies according to the EU requirements. It contributes to a better understanding of the impact of the non-financial information Directive, and the results of this paper can be relevant for regulators, practitioners and academia, especially in view of the adoption of the new Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive proposal.
Details
Keywords
Hernan Ramirez-Asis, Jorge Castillo-Picon, Jenny Villacorta Miranda, José Rodríguez Herrera and Walter Medrano Acuña
Financial inclusion in Peru has been addressed through coverage, quality of financial services, movement of transactions, and service points. The purpose of this chapter is to…
Abstract
Financial inclusion in Peru has been addressed through coverage, quality of financial services, movement of transactions, and service points. The purpose of this chapter is to evaluate for the department of Ancash, Peru, the link between financial inclusion and its socioeconomic factors. Socioeconomic variables and financial inclusion of the Ancash department of the National Household Survey are taken as indicators, later contrasted through the logit model, with the financial inclusion variable being the explained variable.
There is evidence of positive and negative relationships between financial inclusion and socioeconomic variables; these are important components for planning financial inclusion. Raising the levels of formal employment, the educational level and considering the area of residence would be a strategy to generate a dynamic of inclusion in the department of Ancash.
Details
Keywords
Diana Pacheco-Ortiz, Manuela Escobar-Sierra and Ana-María Suárez-Monsalve
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is going through a critical period that challenges its capacity to respond to social and environmental crises, which could be associated with…
Abstract
Purpose
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is going through a critical period that challenges its capacity to respond to social and environmental crises, which could be associated with the growing Corporate Hypocrisy (CH) phenomenon. This study aims to identify the theoretical perspectives of the scientific literature on CH as a contemporary phenomenon concerning CSR.
Design/methodology/approach
We adopted a sequential mixed-method approach in this study. First, we conducted a bibliometric analysis of the publications on the Web of Science database. Subsequently, we performed a content analysis of CH with CSR.
Findings
The literature review revealed two main research paths: the first deals with the perceptions of hypocrisy; the second relates to the company’s responsibility for disclosure. In addition, we found that researchers use different expressions to refer to the gap between discourse and action in organisations. Some authors suggest subtle differences between these terms, while others use them interchangeably. The causes of this phenomenon vary according to the facets of hypocrisy and the negative implications for the reputation and credibility of companies.
Originality/value
This study contributes to understanding the dissociation between CSR statements and practices. To this end, it combines and collates the literature on a phenomenon studied from different sides using numerous designations.
Details
Keywords
Triana Arias Abelaira, Lázaro Rodríguez-Ariza, María Pache Durán and Maria do Rosário Texeira Fernandes Justino
Corporate digital responsibility is a challenge for companies as it recognizes that the use of technology can have a significant impact on society. In addition, a whole philosophy…
Abstract
Purpose
Corporate digital responsibility is a challenge for companies as it recognizes that the use of technology can have a significant impact on society. In addition, a whole philosophy of nonfinancial disclosure has recently been developing and has become a priority for organizations seeking to be transparent and accountable. While some companies have already adopted this approach, practices related to information transparency in corporate digital responsibility are still in their early stages, creating a need to improve reporting and promote greater understanding in this evolving field. Based on a study analyzing the disclosure of information on digitization and taking into account that the board of directors is the body in charge of companies’ disclosure policy, the study aims to identify the factors that favor this disclosure.
Design/methodology/approach
As established by Ponce et al. (2022), IBEX-35 companies are Public Interest Companies subject to European and international regulations and are required to provide information on economic efficiency indicators and nonfinancial indicators. In relation to the proposed objectives, the aim is to analyze the possible factors that condition the degree of dissemination of information on digitization. To this end, a multiple linear regression of the dissemination index has been proposed following the works of Gil et al. (2018), Rodríguez-Ariza et al. (2014) and Briano-Turrent & Rodríguez-Ariza (2013). The estimation will be performed using the SPSS software (version 27).
Findings
The results show that the number of independent directors has a positive influence on the level of information disclosed by companies online. Conversely – and in line with previous studies – board size does not have a significant impact on the level of information transparency.
Research limitations/implications
This study has a few limitations that adversely impact the generalizability of the results. First, the subjective problem inherent in the rating and evaluation of information collected in the annual reports of sample companies cannot be excluded. Second, the consideration that each element that constitutes the IDT has the same weight, there being no weighting criteria. Finally, the study population is limited to 35 listed companies, not considering medium and small companies. Nevertheless, despite these limitations, the results are sufficiently interesting to justify and extend the research to a larger number of companies and, of course, to other stock market indices. Another interesting future line of research would be to include more independent variables to analyze what other factors determine the degree of digital transparency of companies.
Practical implications
The study may be useful for organizations to take into account when identifying the corporate governance characteristics that will improve the disclosure of information on digitalization, which is still incipient and voluntary. Similar considerations could be made with respect to the competent authorities in regulating the disclosure of information by companies, insofar as they should promote policies that, in general, favor corporate transparency.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the literature in three main ways: 1) although there is a large body of research that has explored the impact of corporate governance dimensions on the level of nonfinancial transparency, the present study pioneers the approach to digitalization disclosure in Spanish listed companies; 2) it provides evidence that it is highly advisable to have a majority of independent directors to achieve a higher degree of digital disclosure; and 3) the results of this research show the current state of digital transparency on the websites of most of the listed companies in Spain, which could serve as a benchmark for those responsible for issuing corporate governance policies and guidelines.
Details