Model of integrated reporting “concept in practice” in the light of pragmatic constructivist paradigm: case studies of life science companies
Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal
ISSN: 0951-3574
Article publication date: 28 January 2022
Issue publication date: 25 October 2022
Abstract
Purpose
This longitudinal research paper is based on a case study analysis of two Danish life science companies. The general purpose of the paper is to uncover changes in the reporting practices of experienced integrated reporting (IR) reporters. In order to meet that objective, a pragmatic constructivist paradigm was applied to make a better understanding of factors affecting disclosure decisions in the integrated reports.
Design/methodology/approach
The research uses a qualitative methodological approach. It is based on content and discourse analyses of the written documents, including the integrated reports, auditors' statements and independent assurance reports.
Findings
The model developed in this study reflects a real phenomenon related to the development of IR practices. The pragmatic constructivist paradigm explains how practitioners perceive business reality, act in the face of changing facts and values and make decisions regarding material disclosures.
Research limitations/implications
The investigation of only two companies may be perceived as a limitation of this study. However, a small number of life science companies have prepared integrated reports for a long time. The selected organisations are the pioneers in that field and have drawn up integrated reports since 2002 or 2004.
Originality/value
This paper develops an original model of IR “concept in practice”. It considers the regulatory framework regarding materiality in IR through the prism of facts that form a basis for practical work. It also emphasises an impact of a value system and social context on disclosure decisions in integrated reports. In that way, a link between the constructivist paradigm and IR is created.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors acknowledge the financial support provided by the National Science Centre, Poland, under Grant number 2018/02/X/HS4/01046. The authors would like to thank IAAER and ACCA for funding the possibility of presenting this paper's early version at the Central and Eastern European Emerging Accounting Scholars Research Workshop held in Bucharest, Romania, on 11–12 June 2018. The authors are grateful to Axel Haller and Joachim Gassen for the insightful comments during this workshop. Many thanks also to two anonymous reviewers for the valuable suggestions.
Citation
Dyczkowska, J. and Fijałkowska, J. (2022), "Model of integrated reporting “concept in practice” in the light of pragmatic constructivist paradigm: case studies of life science companies", Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, Vol. 35 No. 8, pp. 1745-1774. https://doi.org/10.1108/AAAJ-07-2019-4093
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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