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Article
Publication date: 4 July 2016

John Stephen Sands, Kirsten Nicole Rae and David Gadenne

This study aims to investigate the feasibility of integrating the social, environmental and innovation processes within the four-perspective sustainability balanced scorecard…

3547

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the feasibility of integrating the social, environmental and innovation processes within the four-perspective sustainability balanced scorecard (SBSC) model by determining the extent of linkages between and within the four SBSC perspectives.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey collected responses from senior management and middle management of large Australian companies.

Findings

The findings support several positive significant associations. Direct associations are found between value-creating processes within the internal process perspective. These results support the feasibility of integrating environmental, social and innovation-orientated value-creating process into the internal process of the four-perspective SBSC model. The results also provide evidence about the extent to which direct or indirect associations exist between the four SBSC perspectives: first, direct association of human capital (learning and growth perspective) with value-creating processes (internal processes perspective); second, direct association of value-creating (internal processes perspective) with customer value (customer perspective); and third, direct and indirect associations of value-creating (internal processes perspective) with financial performance (FP; financial perspective).

Research limitations/implications

Several limitations are acknowledged related to cross-sectional data, senior and middle managers’ perceptions and assumptions underpinning structural equation modelling.

Practical implications

The implications for practice from this study concern how organisational management should relate to their stakeholders while providing value in their FP.

Social implications

These associations reflect the influence of stakeholders’ recognised needs on process and product innovation. These needs highlight the benefits of focusing on future-orientated environmental budgets and ongoing employee training that lead to customer value and FP.

Originality/value

This is an initial in-depth study of a four-perspective SBSC model that provides an effective means of integrating social, environmental and innovation processes within the traditional four SBSC perspectives.

Article
Publication date: 5 November 2024

Adam Arian, John Sands, Habib Ur Rahman and Ibrahim N. Khatatbeh

This study uses instrumental stakeholder theory to explore the relationship between corporate social performance (CSP) and financial performance in various market sectors. It aims…

Abstract

Purpose

This study uses instrumental stakeholder theory to explore the relationship between corporate social performance (CSP) and financial performance in various market sectors. It aims to show how CSP, driven by stakeholder demands in different markets, affects financial outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

Using panel data analysis on data from 2007 to 2020, this research examines how stakeholder demand impacts a firm's ability to turn social performance into financial gains. The study ensures reliable results by addressing methodological and endogeneity issues related to CSP.

Findings

The results show that a firm's success in converting social performance into financial benefits depends on stakeholder demands in different markets. While better CSP generally leads to improved financial performance, the extent of this benefit varies based on stakeholder expectations. This highlights the importance of managers strategically addressing stakeholder demands to maximize financial returns from social initiatives.

Originality/value

By examining the CSP–financial performance link through the lens of market and stakeholder demands, this research provides new insights into how firms can strategically gain stakeholder support for financial benefits. It shows the long-term value of CSP as an investment that gains stakeholder support over time. This approach broadens the understanding of CSP by considering diverse stakeholder influences across industries, filling a gap in long-term CSP research.

Details

Management Decision, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0025-1747

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 July 2019

Salim Khalid, Claire Beattie, John Sands and Veronica Hampson

This study aims to explore the ways that the balanced scorecard (BSC) can be adapted to incorporate environmental performance in a health care context.

3312

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore the ways that the balanced scorecard (BSC) can be adapted to incorporate environmental performance in a health care context.

Design/methodology/approach

This research adopts a qualitative approach that uses an in-depth case study including semi-structured interviews and document review. Interviews are conducted with individuals working within a regional public hospital and health service organisation in Australia. The research is informed by stakeholder theory.

Findings

The participants identified a number of approaches to incorporating environmental dimensions within the BSC: fully integrated, partially integrated, a separate additional perspective and differentiation based on the origin of the environmental activities and events. These findings confirm the contingent nature of the selected model and reinforce the importance of organisational vision and environmental strategy as formative factors.

Research limitations/implications

This research provides a starting point for future research to refine the proposed models and evaluate their viability and relevance in other contexts.

Practical implications

This study provides motivations for managers to engage with the BSC as an effective performance measurement system, which can be developed and adapted to incorporate important environmental elements of organisational performance.

Social implications

This study reveals the importance of difference between endogenous and exogenous environmental activities. As concerns around the environmental consequences of organisational activities continue to grow, opportunities for institutions to reassure stakeholders of their sustainable practices are increasingly critical.

Originality/value

This study presents preliminary evidence on the suitability of various models for integrating environmental dimensions within the BSC. The findings provide a valuable contribution to literature on performance measurement systems in the healthcare sector.

Details

Meditari Accountancy Research, vol. 27 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2049-372X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 March 2020

Amer Al Fadli, John Sands, Gregory Jones, Claire Beattie and Domenico Pensiero

This study aims to investigate the influence of board independence on the level of corporate social responsibility (CSR) reporting in Jordan over time. The paper also compares…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the influence of board independence on the level of corporate social responsibility (CSR) reporting in Jordan over time. The paper also compares this level of influence between the pre- and post-issuance of the Jordanian corporate governance code (JCGC) in 2009.

Design/methodology/approach

Longitudinal data (panel data) from all non-financial listed companies on the Amman stock exchange for the period 2006-2015 was collected and analysed. The content analysis method was used to assess the CSR reporting evident in the annual reports. An ordinary least square regression was used to investigate the relationship between board independence and the level of CSR reporting.

Findings

The results revealed that board independence has a positive and significant influence on the level of CSR reporting. This influence became significantly stronger post the issuance of the corporate governance code in Jordan. The findings suggest that the presence of independent directors on the board encourages companies to report additional CSR information as one of the legitimation strategies to manage the expectations of stakeholder groups.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides motivation for regulators and companies to continue to improve board independence effectiveness.

Practical implications

The study supported evidence from prior studies, conducted the developed countries, that legitimacy theory is also applicable in Jordanian companies, which is a developing country. This study contributes to the debate and findings of the literature about governance and CSR reporting, specifically in the Middle East, as well as the potential of future studies in developing countries using a legitimacy theory as the basis for their investigations and motivation. This study provides evidence to motivate regulators and companies to improve, further, board independence effectiveness.

Originality/value

This empirical study has explored the potential influence of board independence on the level of CSR reporting in Jordan for JCGC pre- and post-issuance, which has not been examined previously and the findings for future studies in the Middle East region and other developing countries.

Details

International Journal of Law and Management, vol. 62 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1754-243X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 December 2023

Adam Arian and John Stephen Sands

This study aims to evaluate the adequacy of climate risk disclosure by providing empirical evidence on whether corporate disclosure meets rising stakeholders’ demand for risk…

1211

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the adequacy of climate risk disclosure by providing empirical evidence on whether corporate disclosure meets rising stakeholders’ demand for risk disclosure concerning climate change.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on a triangulated approach for collecting data from multiple sources in a longitudinal study, we perform a panel regression analysis on a sample of multinational firms between 2007 and 2021. Inspired by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) principles, our innovative and inclusive model of measuring firm-level climate risks underscores the urgent need to redefine materiality from a broader value creation (rather than only financial) perspective, including the impact on sustainable development.

Findings

The findings of this study provide evidence of limited corporate climate risk disclosure, indicating that organisations have yet to accept the reality of climate-related risks. An additional finding supports the existence of a nexus between higher corporate environmental disclosure and higher corporate resilience to material financial and environmental risks, rather than pervasive sustainability risk disclosure.

Practical implications

We argue that a mechanical process for climate-related risk disclosure can limit related disclosure variability, risk reporting priority selection, thereby broadening the short-term perspective on financial materiality assessment for disclosure.

Social implications

This study extends recent literature on the adequacy of corporate risk disclosure, highlighting the importance of disclosing material sustainability risks from the perspectives of different stakeholder groups for long-term success. Corporate management should place climate-related risks at the centre of their disclosure strategies. We argue that reducing the systematic underestimation of climate-related risks and variations in their disclosure practices may require regulations that enhance corporate perceptions and responses to these risks.

Originality/value

This study emphasises the importance of reconceptualising materiality from a multidimensional value creation standpoint, encapsulating financial and sustainable development considerations. This novel model of assessing firm-level climate risk, based on the GRI principles, underscores the necessity of developing a more comprehensive approach to evaluating materiality.

Details

Sustainability Accounting, Management and Policy Journal, vol. 15 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-8021

Keywords

Content available

Abstract

Details

Accounting Research Journal, vol. 29 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1030-9616

Article
Publication date: 6 April 2022

Amir Gholami, John Sands and Syed Shams

This study aims to investigate not only the association between corporate environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance and the cost of capital (COC) but also its impact…

1600

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate not only the association between corporate environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance and the cost of capital (COC) but also its impact on the company’s idiosyncratic risk. Further, it highlights that companies could manage their risk through sustainability initiatives to achieve a cheaper cost of financing.

Design/methodology/approach

Using an extensive Australian sample for the 2007–2017 period from the Bloomberg database, this study conducts a panel (data) regression analysis to examine the impact of the corporate ESG performance disclosure score on the COC and idiosyncratic risk. The robustness of the findings is tested and confirmed in several ways, including a sensitivity test. Furthermore, the instrumental variable approach is used to address potential endogeneity issues.

Findings

A favourable association was found between a higher corporate ESG performance disclosure score and cheaper resources financing. The evidence also supports the mitigating impact of corporate ESG performance disclosure score on the company’s idiosyncratic risk as a strong complement for access to a cheaper source of funds. The findings strongly support both hypotheses of this study.

Research limitations/implications

This study extends the current body of knowledge addressing these associations. Further studies should expand the investigation to non-listed or small and medium-sized companies. Additionally, future studies could contribute to the literature by including other moderating variables, such as a country’s cultural environment and diverse economic situations.

Originality/value

An extensive literature review suggests that this study, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, is the first that simultaneously evaluates the impact of corporate ESG performance disclosure on a company’s COC and idiosyncratic risk.

Details

Meditari Accountancy Research, vol. 31 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2049-372X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 September 2021

Salim Khaleel Khalid, Claire Beattie and John Stehpen Sands

This study aims to explore the barriers and motivations to integrating environmental performance into balanced scorecards (BSCs).

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore the barriers and motivations to integrating environmental performance into balanced scorecards (BSCs).

Design/methodology/approach

This research adopted a qualitative case study approach with semi-structured interviews within an Australian public health service organisation. Secondary document analysis was performed using annual reports, strategic plans and website data.

Findings

The internal barriers creating resistance to incorporating environmental performance dimensions into the BSC include the existing role of environmental disclosure, insufficient sustainability BSC knowledge, lack of BSC champion support, organisational culture and limited environmental commitment practices. Solutions revealed to support decisions to integrate environmental performance in the BSC include recruiting sustainability expertise, articulating financial motivations and recognising external pressures.

Practical implications

The findings provide suggested actions for other organisations facing similar challenges regarding integrating environmental performance into a BSC.

Social implications

In the current business environment, organisations face growing pressure to consider environmental performance in their BSCs. This study provides insights into the potential problems that prevent or delay the integration of environmental issues into BSCs.

Originality/value

This study provides evidence on how institutional and external factors influence barriers and motivations to embed environmental performance measures into a BSC. This study demonstrates how health-care organisations can effectively overcome barriers by modifying specific institutional artefacts. This is an important contribution to the body of knowledge because there is limited empirical research regarding integrating environmental issues into a public sector BSC that projects key organisational commitment indicators.

Details

Sustainability Accounting, Management and Policy Journal, vol. 13 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-8021

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 October 1999

Stuart Orr, Robert A. Millen and Dan McCarthy

The management literature is replete with articles on total quality management, just‐in‐time manufacturing, strategic partnerships between customers and vendors, re‐engineering…

2387

Abstract

The management literature is replete with articles on total quality management, just‐in‐time manufacturing, strategic partnerships between customers and vendors, re‐engineering the company, flattening the organisation, teams that replace individual decision making and horizontal organisational structures. The terms and descriptions used in the literature for these organisational changes vary, but the overall objective is the same, to increase organisational effectiveness and to ensure the future of these organisations by establishing more efficient operations. In many companies positive organisational change is often undertaken simultaneously with, or following on from a “downsizing” or “restructuring” programme. In business recreation, whether in Australia or any other country, operational efficiency built upon enhanced processes must not be seen as the final objective – the opportunities are much greater. Examples of successful Australian organisational recreation are given.

Details

Management Decision, vol. 37 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0025-1747

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 1986

David Sands

What will be the largest shopping and leisure complex in Europe, the Metro Centre, opened on a site three miles outside Newcastle in October. Consisting of two million square feet…

Abstract

What will be the largest shopping and leisure complex in Europe, the Metro Centre, opened on a site three miles outside Newcastle in October. Consisting of two million square feet of shopping enclosed in a glass‐covered mall half a mile long, the Metro Centre can boast a glittering roll‐call of prestigious retail names as tenants — Carrefour, Marks & Spencer (their first out of town venture), BHS, Boots, House of Fraser — you name it, they're there. The Metro Centre owes much to the vision of John Hall, of Cameron Hall Developments, who seems quite unfazed by the 23 per cent unemployment in the region and the fact that Gateshead is one of the nation's economic black spots. In this feature David Sands talks to John Hall about his concept of shopping centres, and also discusses the likely impact of the project on Newcastle city centre and particularly Eldon Square.

Details

Retail and Distribution Management, vol. 14 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0307-2363

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