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Article
Publication date: 7 December 2023

Alan Bandeira Pinheiro, Nágela Bianca do Prado, Gustavo Hermínio Salati Marcondes de Moraes and Wendy Beatriz Witt Haddad Carraro

This study investigated the impact of some determinant organizational factors on disseminating LGBT information in Brazilian companies in 2019.

Abstract

Purpose

This study investigated the impact of some determinant organizational factors on disseminating LGBT information in Brazilian companies in 2019.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is exploratory and has a quantitative approach, which uses secondary data from the CSR Hub database 2019 of publicly traded Brazilian companies. For constructing the LGBT disclosure metric, the authors took the study by Parizek and Evangelinos (2021). The independent variables were the social responsibility, financial and governance characteristics of the companies. Analysis was conducted by combining a symmetric method (multiple linear regression analysis with econometric models) and an asymmetric approach (fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis).

Findings

The research findings showed that companies with higher performance in CSR have greater LGBT disclosure. Findings also show that companies with higher financial performance tend to have greater LGBT disclosure. This is because larger companies have more resources to invest in CSR practices and sexual diversity policies, as well as a greater number of stakeholders pressing them to act more responsibly. Additional results showed that companies that signed the UN Global Compact and publish an environmental report annually have greater engagement in LGBT disclosure.

Originality/value

This study's novelty emerges from applying the fsQCA technique, which helps to a broaden understanding of the conditions necessary to achieve greater LGBT disclosure. Furthermore, this study initiates the debate on LGBT disclosure in emerging economies, a recent topic and still little explored empirically.

Details

Employee Relations: The International Journal, vol. 46 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0142-5455

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 July 2023

Ramona Zharfpeykan and Chris Akroyd

This paper aims to evaluate the outcome effectiveness of the global reporting initiatives (GRI) transitions by understanding how companies have responded to the changes from G3.1…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to evaluate the outcome effectiveness of the global reporting initiatives (GRI) transitions by understanding how companies have responded to the changes from G3.1 to G4 and finally to the GRI Standards.

Design/methodology/approach

A quality disclosure score is developed that incorporates assessments of both the quality of disclosures and the materiality of Australian companies. To analyse materiality, survey data were collected from 187 companies. Disclosure scores are based on a content analysis of the sustainability reports of 12 mining and metals companies and 12 financial services companies that used the GRI Standards from 2011 to 2019 (a total of 213 reports).

Findings

The study found that the GRI transitions have not led to companies improving the quality of their disclosures on areas considered important for them to achieve their social and environmental goals. Instead, the companies tended to use a greenwashing strategy, where the quality of disclosure of material issues declined or fluctuated over time.

Practical implications

From a practical perspective, the disclosure score developed in this paper enables managers of companies to recognize a threshold of completeness and to summarize the areas that are not materially relevant to their business.

Social implications

The results are potentially helpful for investors, shareholders and other stakeholders, enabling them to better understand sustainability reports.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the body of research in sustainability reporting by providing evidence on the outcome effectiveness of the latest updates in the GRI framework.

Details

Sustainability Accounting, Management and Policy Journal, vol. 14 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-8021

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 May 2023

Jonathan Morris, Remmer Sassen and Martina McGuinness

This research aims to understand how companies communicate their understanding of water-related challenges and their responses to identify new pathways for addressing this…

Abstract

Purpose

This research aims to understand how companies communicate their understanding of water-related challenges and their responses to identify new pathways for addressing this challenge to further advance rising interest in water sustainability strategies of corporations.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a content analysis of corporate disclosures, this paper identifies the actions and challenges reported by 35 FTSE 100 companies. These are analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively to explore variations in the subject of disclosure and the narrative framing.

Findings

The findings identify a clear split across the types of water sustainability reporting according to the industrial sector and subject of disclosure, linking to different narratives used according to legitimacy pressures.

Practical implications

This paper finds that energy, materials and consumer staples sectors consistently outperform other sectors on the reporting of water issues and the scope which is covered. This has implications for the design of regulations and incentives to increase water sustainability management activities in large companies, which currently under-report.

Social implications

This paper highlights the need for policy implementation to further integrate water-related topics into company reporting and identifies situations where the narrative disclosed may distort the underlying situation that is being communicated.

Originality/value

This paper explores the narratives used in company reporting to identify the challenges related to water sustainability and the actions taken in response. This can contribute to developing a pathway towards increased water sustainability (e.g. through new policy design).

Details

Sustainability Accounting, Management and Policy Journal, vol. 14 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-8021

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 December 2022

Salaheldin Hamad, Fong Woon Lai, Muhammad Kashif Shad, Saleh F.A. Khatib and Syed Emad Azhar Ali

This study aims to investigate the performance of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of public listed companies (PLCs) in Malaysia through their SDGs disclosure. In addition, it…

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Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the performance of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of public listed companies (PLCs) in Malaysia through their SDGs disclosure. In addition, it examines the impact of integrated reporting (IR) quality on the SDGs’ performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Data are collected from an initial sample of Malaysia’s top 100 market-leading PLCs from 2016 to 2020. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to test the research hypotheses.

Findings

The results reveal an increasing trend in SDGs’ performance. Companies contributing toward the 17 SDGs grew from 14% in 2016 to 78% in 2020. On a priority basis, the average score of the five years showed that the Malaysian PLCs are paying more attention to SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth (53%); SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production (43%); and SDG 13 Climate Action (42%). In addition, the fixed effects regression analysis proves that companies with higher IR quality are more likely to provide better SDGs disclosure.

Practical implications

This study provides insights to policymakers, investors and management on the vital role of businesses in supporting the SDGs’ achievement and how IR reveals a turning point in achieving the United Nations SDGs’ agenda.

Social implications

This study provides a clearer understanding of the activities seeking to achieve the SDGs and the influence of IR on them. This opens the debate for future research.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is a pioneer in examining whether the quality of IR influences SDGs disclosure among large companies in one of the emerging economies in Southeast Asia in its early application stage.

Details

Sustainability Accounting, Management and Policy Journal, vol. 14 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-8021

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 2005

Per Nikolaj Bukh, Christian Nielsen, Peter Gormsen and Jan Mouritsen

The purpose of this paper is to examine whether information on intellectual capital (non‐financial information on knowledge based resources) is disclosed in Danish IPO…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine whether information on intellectual capital (non‐financial information on knowledge based resources) is disclosed in Danish IPO prospectuses. Further, to analyse whether this voluntary disclosure has changed in the period from 1999 to 2001 and to analyse what factors can explain the amount of disclosure in the prospectuses.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses content analysis to compile a measure of disclosure on each prospectus and statistical analysis to test whether there is an association between disclosure and company type, the existence of managerial ownership before the IPO, the size of the company or the age of the firm.

Findings

Based on statistical analysis, it is concluded that the extent of managerial ownership prior to the IPO and industry type affects the amount of voluntary intellectual capital disclosure, while company size and age do not affect disclosure. The results are interpreted in the light of the increasing importance of disclosing information on value drivers, strategy and intellectual capital to the capital market and constitute a contribution to the ongoing debate on corporate reporting practices.

Practical implications

Since information on intellectual capital is already disclosed in IPO prospectuses this reporting form can be used as inspiration when an intellectual capital report is developed. The results also indicate that companies and their advisers believe that this type of information is important in the capital market's assessment of the company's value. Further, it is suggested that intellectual capital reports should be read in the context of the firm's strategy in the same manner as an prospectus is read.

Originality/value

Very few papers have analysed disclosure in prospectuses and it has been from a different perspective from this paper. Further, this paper analyses a time series of data and demonstrates how the amount of disclosure has developed over the years. Finally, the paper contributes to the body of literature on what factors explain disclosure in general.

Details

Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, vol. 18 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0951-3574

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 August 2021

Geoffrey Injeni, Musa Mangena, David Mathuva and Robert Mudida

This paper aims to examine the factors influencing the level of disclosures of sustainability (SR) and integrated report (IR) information in a developing country context, with…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the factors influencing the level of disclosures of sustainability (SR) and integrated report (IR) information in a developing country context, with particular reference to Kenya.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a panel data set of 419 firm-year observations of listed companies in Kenya covering the period 2010 through 2018. Data are collected from the annual reports and analysed using a generalized estimations equation model.

Findings

The results reveal that there is momentum towards newer reporting frameworks in Kenya with substantial IR and SR disclosures in their annual reports. The results also show that level of SR and IR disclosures is influenced by both agency-related factors (board gender diversity, audit committee independence, block ownership and the presence of foreign ownership). Additionally, institutional-related factors (regulatory pressure and promotional efforts of regulatory and professional bodies [reporting excellence awards]) influence the disclosures.

Practical implications

The results highlight that initiatives such as those led by the regulatory and professional bodies in Kenya are effective in motivating companies to enhance disclosures. Thus, regulators and professional bodies might need to continue and even intensify their efforts. These results have implications for further research as they show that SR and IR disclosures are influenced by similar factors.

Social implications

The study has the potential to contribute to the ongoing initiatives and discussions on the adoption of IR by firms in Africa as spearheaded by the African Integrated Reporting Council.

Originality/value

To the best of the knowledge, the study is, perhaps, the first to examine both SR and IR disclosures at the same study allowing comparison of the extent and drivers of the two disclosures. Moreover, examining the institutional-related factors in a single country has not been done in prior literature, and so this is an innovation.

Details

Journal of Financial Reporting and Accounting, vol. 20 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1985-2517

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 September 2017

Mahmood Ahmed Momin, Deryl Northcott and Mohammed Hossain

This paper aims to investigate the greenhouse gas (GHG)-related disclosure trends, content and strategies of the eight most high GHG-emitting Chinese power companies, over a…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the greenhouse gas (GHG)-related disclosure trends, content and strategies of the eight most high GHG-emitting Chinese power companies, over a period when government pressure to manage GHG emissions increased.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from the 2000-2009 annual reports, corporate social and environmental responsibility reports and websites of eight Chinese power companies. Content analysis results were supplemented with excerpts from documents written in English or Chinese. Legitimacy theory informed the interpretation of the findings.

Findings

GHG-related disclosures increased from 2002 when the Chinese Government ratified the Kyoto Protocol and promulgated stringent environmental regulations. However, some expected types of GHG-related disclosure were absent or rare. Disclosure practices were found to be underpinned by reputation management objectives and reflected a symbolic rather than substantive legitimation strategy.

Research limitations/implications

This study extends the literature on GHG-related disclosures by carbon-intensive firms and points to the need for future research to examine such disclosures in different countries to appreciate the variety in practice.

Practical implications

While the Chinese Government appears to have driven the emergence of GHG-related disclosure practices, companies can effect improvement by expanding the scope and content of what they disclose. Also, the growing emphasis on website disclosures may present challenges in ensuring the reliability and assurance of GHG disclosures.

Originality/value

This is the first study to examine GHG-related disclosure practices by Chinese power-generating companies, a sector crucial to managing the GHG effects of China’s significant economic growth.

Details

Journal of Accounting & Organizational Change, vol. 13 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1832-5912

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 2002

Kamal Naser, Khalid Al‐Khatib and Yusuf Karbhari

Over the last decade, Jordanian Authorities and Government adopted several far‐reaching measures aimed at improving its investment environment. These measures included the…

Abstract

Over the last decade, Jordanian Authorities and Government adopted several far‐reaching measures aimed at improving its investment environment. These measures included the introduction of International Accounting Standards (IASs) in 1990, amendment of the Companies Act in 1997 and amendments to Investment Promotion Law in 1998. This study specifically provides empirical evidence on changes in the depth of corporate disclosure after introducing IASs. In addition, the relationship between the depth of corporate disclosure and company's attributes is investigated. The outcome of the analysis reveals a slight improvement in the depth of disclosure after the introduction the IASs. The depth of disclosure seems to be associated with corporate size, audit firm status, liquidity, gearing, and profitability.

Details

International Journal of Commerce and Management, vol. 12 no. 3/4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1056-9219

Article
Publication date: 9 September 2014

Yolanda Fuertes-Callén, Beatriz Cuellar-Fernández and Marcela Pelayo-Velázquez

The purpose of this paper is to explore the determinants of online corporate reporting in three Latin American emerging markets, Argentina, Mexico and Chile, providing further…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the determinants of online corporate reporting in three Latin American emerging markets, Argentina, Mexico and Chile, providing further evidence to test the mediation role of web presence development in the relationship between these determinants and e-disclosure. Web presence development measures the firm's efforts to archive web visibility, web usability and convenience.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a content analysis of corporate web sites, the extent of the information is measured by three internet disclosure indexes. Four constructs which are considered key drivers of a firm's disclosure strategy are identified. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to assess the research model. The sample contains publicly available data on listed companies’ web sites.

Findings

The results reveal that the development of a firm's presence on the internet is as important as its characteristics in determining corporate transparency and in mediating the relationship between firm size and cross-listing and e-disclosure.

Practical implications

Companies should be aware that investors are attaching increasing importance to corporate transparency. Consequently, managers should put more effort into improving web sites, which would increase corporate visibility and open up a direct communication channel with their stakeholders. They should also take advantage of web sites to provide information, above and beyond that required by local law. Not only do current and potential investors find this useful, it also increases their confidence in the company.

Originality/value

This paper proposes an integrative model of the determinants of the level of online corporate reporting using constructs that reflect their multidimensional nature. A non-financial latent variable for web presence on the internet is proposed as a mediator in the relationship between e-disclosure and traditional determinants. The SEM approach simultaneously examines the direct and indirect relationships between the proposed latent variables and how these relationships influence the level of e-disclosure.

Details

Online Information Review, vol. 38 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1468-4527

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 September 2020

Desi Adhariani and Nick Sciulli

This study provides an analysis of the possibility of companies in Indonesia to adopt integrated reporting (IR). This is undertaken by comparing the degree of conformity between…

Abstract

Purpose

This study provides an analysis of the possibility of companies in Indonesia to adopt integrated reporting (IR). This is undertaken by comparing the degree of conformity between current reporting disclosures with that of the IR framework.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-method approach is employed, which entailed using both quantitative and qualitative techniques to access data. For the quantitative analysis, a total of 64 companies are chosen, which represent companies with significant market capitalization included in the LQ45 index (an index for the 45 most liquid stocks) in 2016 and the non-LQ45 by publishing a sustainability report. These companies are selected on the basis of high levels of disclosure compared with other companies and serve as an appropriate benchmark for other listed companies. The level of disclosure conformity is employed using 39 principle disclosure indices and 76 content disclosure indices based on the IR framework. For the qualitative analysis, interviews were conducted with nine interviewees that are considered as experts in the field of IR. The interviews are conducted to assist in providing explanations for the findings.

Findings

The results indicate that approximately 60% of companies (mostly in the banking, finance and mining industries) have an adequate degree of conformity, reflecting their higher probability of voluntary compliance to apply the IR framework. However, the principles of conciseness and connectivity of information provide significant challenges for Indonesian firms when they will consider implementation. Further analysis using in-depth interviews with experts showed that several factors from various perspectives should be considered in shifting to IR.

Originality/value

This study provides empirical evidence on the current reporting landscape of Indonesian firms. Scant research is available on the possible adoption of IR in emerging markets such as Indonesia. Hence, this project raises further possible explanations for the challenges and pressures faced by Indonesian firms in an era of changing stakeholder expectations.

Details

Asian Review of Accounting, vol. 28 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1321-7348

Keywords

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