CSR communication through Facebook in the Latin American integrated market (MILA): Disclosure, interactivity and legitimacy

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to analyse CSR communication in the Latin American Integrated Market companies using Facebook, by studying disclosure and its determinants along with the legitimacy and interactivity of CSR posts.

Design/methodology/approach

A content analysis of Facebook posts and an index were developed to establish disclosure levels explained by regression modelling. In addition, an analysis of Facebook posts, reactions and comments was carried out.

Findings

Content analysis shows that most of the posts correspond to the categories of society and environment. Regression modelling shows there is a strong association between corporate and board characteristics and disclosure levels. In spite of the dialogic character of Facebook, interactivity levels of messages are low, although high levels of legitimacy are observed in posts by consumer and financial companies.

Research limitations/implications

This study examines companies included in the Latin American Integrated Market. The generalisation of the results is limited to this context.

Practical implications

Understanding CSR communication may enable companies to relate more effectively with their stakeholders and possibly change their practices as a result of the feedback provided.

Originality/value

This study offers an important contribution to the literature on CSR communication by performing an analysis of information disclosure on Facebook and its explanatory factors. Another contribution of this study is its examination of the legitimacy and interactivity of CSR information disclosure in Latin America, a relatively understudied region.

Citation

Suárez-Rico, Y.M., García-Benau, M.A. and Gómez-Villegas, M. (2019), "CSR communication through Facebook in the Latin American integrated market (MILA): Disclosure, interactivity and legitimacy", Meditari Accountancy Research, Vol. 27 No. 5, pp. 741-760. https://doi.org/10.1108/MEDAR-03-2018-0313