Lorenzo Ligorio, Andrea Venturelli and Fabio Caputo
State-owned enterprises (SOEs) are tools in the hands of governments for the pursuit of their political agendas. This feature is driving accounting scholars’ attention to SOEs’…
Abstract
Purpose
State-owned enterprises (SOEs) are tools in the hands of governments for the pursuit of their political agendas. This feature is driving accounting scholars’ attention to SOEs’ relationship with the United Nations Agenda 2030. However, few contributions in literature have approached the topic. This study aims at understanding which determinants impact the contribution of SOEs to Agenda 2030.
Design/methodology/approach
To analyse SOEs’ contribution to the sustainable development goals (SDGs) through their disclosures, this study adopted a panel data analysis to explore two levels of drivers impacting SOEs practices. Furthermore, to highlight SOEs’ differences from private sector entities, this study used a comparative approach.
Findings
Results revealed how hybrid and private environments are differently impacting the contribution to the SDGs. Moreover, it emerged how hybridity through board characteristics impacts SOE disclosure quality.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to empirically test how corporate governance characteristics influence SDGs’ contribution via sustainability reporting in SOEs.
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Lorenzo Ligorio, Fabio Caputo and Andrea Venturelli
The growing interest in sustainability reporting by management scholars is leading to new research fields. Among the different actors involved in non-financial disclosures, recent…
Abstract
Purpose
The growing interest in sustainability reporting by management scholars is leading to new research fields. Among the different actors involved in non-financial disclosures, recent research is paying attention to public–private hybrid organisations. This study explores the main focus and critique of current and past literature on public–private hybrids and sustainability reporting.
Design/methodology/approach
To explore the recent field of sustainability reporting in public–private hybrids, this study adopts a structured literature review on studies collected from the scientific platforms Scopus and Web of Science.
Findings
Findings revealed a young and growing field of research. Also, it emerged how more profound attention is being paid to the features and drivers of sustainability reporting in the public–private sector, along with a stimulus for further research on new reporting frameworks.
Research limitations/implications
Considering the novelty of the research field, the collection of analysed studies was very limited. Moreover, grey literature was not incorporated into the research. In addition, only two sources of data were considered.
Practical implications
This study includes different implications regarding sustainability reporting in public–private hybrids, emphasizing transparency, accountability and the need for further research and adoption of external assurance.
Originality/value
Because of the novelty of the research field, this is the first study to focus on literature that addresses the relationship between sustainability reporting and public–private entities. Furthermore, using a structured literature review has provided a profound view of the published literature.
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Sophia M. Schwoy, Andreas Dutzi and Juliane Messing
The aim of this study is to critically examine the transparency and reporting practice of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) controversies within the pharmaceutical and…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this study is to critically examine the transparency and reporting practice of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) controversies within the pharmaceutical and textile industry. Based on the four core dimensions of transparency, we explore which reporting medium is most frequently chosen for the disclosure of negative ESG contributions, the nature and information content of the disclosed incidents and how voluntary adherence to sustainability reporting standards and independent assurances affect the reporting.
Design/methodology/approach
We use conceptual content analysis and employ a counter-accounting approach to analyse the disclosure of 190 ESG controversies in 104 corporate reports from the pharmaceutical and textile industries, covering a three-year period from 2018–2020.
Findings
The very large majority of controversies are reported only once in the legal proceedings section of the annual report, but not again in the sustainability report, where it would be necessary to provide a balanced picture. Moreover, companies tend to disclose only those controversies that are either associated with high media attention or are expected to be related to litigation, resulting in 26 per cent of controversies not being disclosed at all. The overall quality of disclosure is unsatisfactory and in need of improvement, but comparably higher in the pharmaceutical industry than in the textile industry. Interestingly, neither the application of sustainability reporting standards nor independent assurance seems to positively impact the disclosure behaviour.
Originality/value
Our paper provides new insights into the shortcomings of current ESG controversy disclosures by revealing patterns of selective reporting practices and the strategic framing of issues. In addition, it contributes to the debates on corporate cherry-picking in the adoption of sustainability reporting guidelines and on the effectiveness of external assurance of sustainability reports. Based on the findings, it offers important implications for practitioners, in particular management, policy makers, rating agencies and assurance providers.
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Issam Benhayoun, Mehdi El Amrani, Aya Barhdadi and Walid Azzaoui
This study aims to investigate the organizational factors determining Moroccan companies’ readiness to adopt the newly introduced International Sustainability Standards Board…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the organizational factors determining Moroccan companies’ readiness to adopt the newly introduced International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) standards (International Financial Reporting Standards S1 and S2), focusing on absorptive capacity, organizational structure and size and culture and finally kakistocracy.
Design/methodology/approach
The research uses a quantitative approach to analyze the impact of specific organizational factors on the readiness to adopt ISSB standards by Moroccan companies. A partial least squares structural equation modeling based on a sample size of 150 Moroccan accounting professional was performed to assess the factors affecting readiness.
Findings
The results of the study highlight that absorptive capacity is the most significant predictor of readiness for ISSB standards adoption, with a strong positive effect and high statistical significance. Organizational structure, size and culture also positively influence readiness, though to a lesser extent. Kakistocracy has a minimal impact, suggesting its influence is limited in this context. Overall, the findings emphasize the critical role of organizational learning and structure in driving readiness, while governance issues appear to play a marginal role.
Research limitations/implications
The study’s limitations include the potential interaction with unmeasured variables and the reliance on self-reported data, which may introduce biases. Future research should explore additional variables and incorporate qualitative methods for deeper insights.
Practical implications
Policymakers should prioritize enhancing firms’ absorptive capacities through organizational improvements and targeted support while recognizing governance reforms as a secondary priority. Efforts should address barriers to ISSB adoption, such as resource limitations, regulatory alignment and stakeholder engagement, to facilitate effective integration of sustainability standards in emerging economies.
Originality/value
This research enriches academic discourse by providing insights into how emerging markets adapt to global sustainability frameworks. It serves as a benchmark for similar economies, guiding policymakers and corporate leaders on best practices and promoting transparency and trust among stakeholders.