Yuli Marcela Suárez-Rico, Mª Antonia García-Benau and Mauricio Gómez-Villegas
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…
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.
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M Antonia García-Benau, Laura Sierra-Garcia and Ana Zorio
The purpose of this paper is to shed some light on the effect of the current financial crisis on corporate social responsibility (CSR) reporting and CSR assurance strategies that…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to shed some light on the effect of the current financial crisis on corporate social responsibility (CSR) reporting and CSR assurance strategies that companies disclose online to stakeholders, by dividing the time horizon into two periods, before 2008 and from 2008.
Design/methodology/approach
The sample includes Spanish listed companies, differentiating CSR reporters from non CSR-reporters. Also distinguished in the CSR-reporters sample, are those companies that assure the CSR report from those that do not. The authors contrast whether there is a trend as regards CSR reporting and CSR assurance, depending on whether the crisis has already begun or not. Next the authors focus on companies that change their CSR reporting strategy or change their CSR assurance strategy and see if there is an impact on performance (both from an accounting and from a market perspective).
Findings
Even though the financial crisis has raised the question whether assurance of CSR reports could be a threat for business, bearing in mind the generalized initiatives to cut costs, the results show that the number of CSR reports increased significantly with the crisis (indeed, significant differences were found in ROE from CSR adopters to CSR discontinuing companies). Nonetheless, no significant impact was found regarding the changes in assurance strategy, even though there are no grounds to expect cuts in this area because the absolute number of assured reports is increasing, yet not significantly.
Practical implications
In spite of the current financial crisis, this study identifies a business in a stage of expansion, not only CSR reporting but also assurance of CSR reports, and confirms the stability in time of the CSR assurance decision by companies as an added-value strategy to CSR reporting. There seems to be an investment view of CSR reporting and CSR assurance, which can help companies differentiate their products or services from the competition and reinforce stakeholders ' trust.
Originality/value
This is a pioneering study on the actual effects that the financial crisis has had on CSR reporting and assurance strategies.
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The purpose of this paper is to assess US-based firms from 2005 to 2015 to determine whether firms with better corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance will allocate…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to assess US-based firms from 2005 to 2015 to determine whether firms with better corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance will allocate capital through their life-cycle to better maintain or extend total assets.
Design/methodology/approach
Kinder, Lydenberg, Domini Research & Analytics social performance rating scores were used to measure CSR performance in an initial sample of 19,707 firm-year observations. Firms are first classified into stages including introduction, growth, maturity, and decline, and use multiclass linear discriminant analysis, the Dickinson classification scheme (Dickinson, 2011), and the ratio of retained earnings to total assets (RETA) as life-cycle proxies. Life-cycle was formulated based on a broad set of accounting data sourced from Compustat. Various corporate characteristics from the CRSP database were used to classify all sample firms into five equal groups based on their CSR performance.
Findings
A firm’s equity and debt issuance assume a hump shape over the life-cycle under CSR practice, and higher-CSR firms face fewer significant issues as they mature; payout, RETA, and free cash flow decreased from high-CSR performance firms to low-CSR performance firms; and cash holdings also exhibit a hump shape over the life-cycle and higher-CSR practices are associated with significantly lower cash holdings.
Originality/value
CSR performance is a useful predictor for forecasting firm life-cycle and superior CSR performance ensures efficient capital allocation throughout firm life-cycle. Furthermore, CSR practice is an indicator of firm life-cycle sustainability and indicates a firm’s future cash flow patterns.
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Feng Jui Hsu and Yu-Cheng Chen
The purpose of this paper is to examine whether socially responsible firms behave differently from other firms in terms of financial risk using US-based firms from 1991 to 2012…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine whether socially responsible firms behave differently from other firms in terms of financial risk using US-based firms from 1991 to 2012.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors used the KLD social performance rating scores as the measure of corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance and obtained an initial sample of 38,158 firm-year observations from 1991 to 2012. The authors obtained the monthly consensus earnings forecast for fiscal year one and the monthly dispersions for these earnings forecasts from I/B/E/S, and the bond spread from DataStream database. Specifically, the authors question whether firms that exhibit CSR obtain market approval to reduce financial risk, thereby providing investors and regulators with more reliable and transparent financial information, as opposed to firms that do not meet the same criteria.
Findings
The authors find that social responsible firms usually perform better in terms of their credit ratings and have lower credit risk, in terms of loan spreads when compared to corporate bond spreads, and in terms of distance to default. The results control for various measurements for CSR and time periods, consider various CSR dimensions and components, and use alternative proxies to improve the quality of financial risk estimates.
Originality/value
The findings demonstrate the importance of considering both positive and negative CSR performance. Positive CSR ratings are associated with reduced financial risk while negative CSR performance scores lead to increased financial distress. Investors respond to positive CSR ratings.
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Laura Sierra García, Helena María Bollas-Araya and María Antonia García Benau
This paper aims to investigate the relationship between corporate reporting on issues related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and the quality of non-financial…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the relationship between corporate reporting on issues related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and the quality of non-financial information (NFI) corroborated by different types of assurors.
Design/methodology/approach
The study methods used include logistic regressions, focusing on data for Spanish listed companies in 2017–2018.
Findings
Analysis shows that companies are more likely to report SDG-related performance when their sustainability report is assured. This association remains constant irrespective of the nature of the assurance, which only became mandatory in Spain following the entry into force of Act 11/2018 in this respect. Moreover, companies that hire KPMG or PwC (two of the big four accounting firms) as assurance providers are more likely to report SDG-related performance than those that hire non-accounting firms. Finally, companies with higher quality assurance statements are more likely to address SDG-related matters.
Research limitations/implications
The authors believe the findings reported in this paper will help decision-makers better understand the quality of organisations’ contributions towards achieving the SDGs. Furthermore, this paper has implications for stakeholders, policymakers, academics and assurance providers concerning the relationship between SDG-related reporting and the quality of NFI.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no prior research has been undertaken to analyse the relationship between SDG-related company reporting and the assurance of NFI.
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Yazan Abu Huson, Laura Sierra García, María Antonia García Benau and Nader Mohammad Aljawarneh
This study aims to elucidate the intricate relationship between cloud-based artificial intelligence (CBAI) and audit reports, specifically emphasizing the mediating role played by…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to elucidate the intricate relationship between cloud-based artificial intelligence (CBAI) and audit reports, specifically emphasizing the mediating role played by auditors.
Design/methodology/approach
This study used a quantitative approach, distributing 322 questionnaires to external auditors in Jordan to explore the potential enhancements of CBAI in auditing. Convenient random sampling was used to gather data from available members of the population, which comprises external audit offices in Jordan. There are a total of 454 audit offices in Jordan, employing diverse auditors, such as partner-owner auditors, assistant auditors and certified auditors. Data analysis was conducted using SmartPLS software, which uses structural equation modeling.
Findings
The study’s findings suggest potential cost savings associated with CBAI adoption, streamlined audit processes and increased overall efficiency, thereby boosting audit effectiveness and elevating the quality of audit reports. Moreover, the research observes a change in the role of auditors, with a greater emphasis on analytical and advisory tasks rather than traditional manual procedures. These insights highlight the potential benefits for both auditors and audit clients, underscoring the importance of embracing these technologies to propel the auditing profession forward in the digital era.
Originality/value
This study contributes insights into the impact of CBAI on the audit profession by acknowledging the shift in auditing techniques from manual to digital technology and emphasizing the benefits of cloud computing in terms of accessibility, flexibility, scalability of storage and use of financial data. It also stresses the use of CBAI technology and highlights its potential for automating and accelerating audit operations, efficiently managing client data and improving the accuracy and reliability of audit reports.
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Laura Sierra-García, Nicolás Gambetta, Fernando Azcarate Llanes and María Antonia García Benau
This paper aims to examine whether the position of universities in the times higher education (THE) impact rankings (IR) is related to the different dimensions of academic quality…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine whether the position of universities in the times higher education (THE) impact rankings (IR) is related to the different dimensions of academic quality of universities according to the THE world universities ranking.
Design/methodology/approach
The research, based on universities ranked in the top 100 of THE IRs, uses a regression model obtained by the panel data method, using the fixed effects approach, to identify the relationship of academic quality dimensions with that ranking.
Findings
The results show an increase in the dissemination of information on sustainable development goals (SDGs) by universities. In addition, it is shown that research, number of citations and international outlook are positively associated with a higher score obtained by universities in THE IRs, which implies a higher impact on the SDGs by these universities.
Originality/value
Based on multifaceted theories, the study highlighted the universities that are best positioned in the THE IRs in relation to their contribution to the SDGs.
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Diego Andrés Correa-Mejía, Jaime Andrés Correa-García and María Antonia García-Benau
This study aims to analyse the consistency between what companies say (talk) and what they do (walk) regarding the application of double materiality in their sustainability…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to analyse the consistency between what companies say (talk) and what they do (walk) regarding the application of double materiality in their sustainability reports.
Design/methodology/approach
Sustainability reports of 76 European companies that reported the application of double materiality and are listed in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index were studied through content analysis.
Findings
In total, 67% of the companies studied claim to apply double materiality but do not comply with the guidelines in this respect proposed by the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group. Therefore, these companies should be considered label adopters.
Practical implications
This study presents evidence of the existence of label adopters when double materiality is adopted at an early stage, meaning that regulators should seek to control compliance with the minimum requirements established for double materiality. This finding also has implications for assurers, who should consider the degree of real compliance with double materiality requirements when expressing their opinion.
Social implications
The existence of label adopters in the application of double materiality endangers the sustainable development pursued through agreements such as the Green Deal and through the Sustainable Finance policy proposed in Europe.
Originality/value
This work contributes to the emerging literature on double materiality. Unlike previous works, empirical evidence is provided on the changes that companies present in their material issues with the application of double materiality. Moreover, it confirms the existence of label adopters in the application of double materiality.
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Yully Marcela Sepúlveda-Alzate, María Antonia García-Benau and Mauricio Gómez-Villegas
This paper aims to propose a measurement of the materiality of environmental, social and governance information (ESG) reported by listed companies belonging to sensitive…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to propose a measurement of the materiality of environmental, social and governance information (ESG) reported by listed companies belonging to sensitive industries in Colombia, Mexico, Brazil, Chile and Argentina. This analysis is carried out from the insights of stakeholder theory, legitimacy theory and institutional theory. The research questions addressed are: What type of information is considered as material by Latin American companies? Does this information respond to the environmental and social issues within the context of Latin American companies and the needs of their stakeholders?
Design/methodology/approach
A materiality index is developed from principal component analysis and factor analysis, which are multivariate analysis statistical techniques used in various fields to develop indices. The designed index examines materiality in the sustainability reports of 65 companies for 2017 and 67 companies for 2018. These firms belong to the energy, mining, chemical, construction, construction materials and public services industries in Colombia, Mexico, Chile, Argentina and Brazil.
Findings
The results show medium-high materiality indices, mostly in Chilean, Mexican and Colombian companies. In addition, issues such as water management, climate change and occupational health and safety are particularly interesting for companies. For the two years studied and from the perspective of material aspects for the company and its stakeholders, energy, mining and utilities (drinking water and sewage) sectors obtained the highest scores. This shows that the disclosure of ESG information is higher in industries related to the exploitation of natural resources that cause adverse effects on the environment such as extractive industries. Both the analysis presented in this paper and the materiality measurement developed, allow social responsibility managers to have a standard on the level of importance allotted to the different topics disclosed in sustainability reports. Additionally, this study provides a perspective of the material issues recognized by sensitive industries with great environmental impact. Similarly, an analysis of the issues considered material by stakeholders is provided. This allows such issues to be compared, identifying similarities and differences among the issues regarded as material by a company and its stakeholders.
Practical implications
The paper opens the debate is open as to whether the information disclosed response to the needs of stakeholders or whether, on the contrary, the materiality analysis is a process that emerges simply from the interests of the company. These demands for qualitative and field research to complement quantitative studies such as this one to research the stakeholders’ engagement processes in context.
Social implications
The paper’s purpose a challenge for future research is to strengthen the use of various methodologies that allow knowing the participation processes in the definition of materiality in the ESG information and the companies’ engagement with stakeholders. This stimulates research in the region, which is still in its infancy.
Originality/value
The international literature contains few studies related to the assessment of materiality for sustainability reporting. So this paper contributes proposes measurement of materiality for ESG information.
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Alessandro Inversini and Giovanni Battista Derchi
The purpose of this study is to generate a better understanding of the nature of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) communication on social media. In fact social media are one…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to generate a better understanding of the nature of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) communication on social media. In fact social media are one of the most effective communication channels in contemporary business settings. Due to their inner characteristics, they should be the ideal channel for communicating CSR topics. Over the last 15 years, a variety of researches discussed the interplay between CSR and social media, resulting in a rather tangled body of knowledge.
Design/methodology/approach
This study proposes a scoping review of published academic literature at the intersection of these two research bodies (i.e. CSR and social media communication) to shed light on the nature of the communication, strategic challenges and practices, as well as their key factors and impact.
Findings
To date, academic research related to the nature of CSR on social media is fragmented and blurry. This research sheds light on the challenges of interactive social media communication in CSR and presents an account of key strategies, tactics and possible impacts for these challenging communication practices.
Originality/value
This research generates a better understanding of the nature of CSR communication on social media, strategic challenges and practices, as well as their key factors and impact. It is the tentative of generating a synthetic account of relevant literature in the field.