Corporate characteristics and integrated reporting disclosure level before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: Evidence from a developing country
Tracks
Crystal 1
| Monday, July 1, 2024 |
| 4:45 PM - 5:00 PM |
Presenter
Dr Ishara Mudiyanselage
Lecturer
Unitec
Corporate characteristics and integrated reporting disclosure level before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: Evidence from a developing country
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the study is to examine the level of Integrated Reporting (IR) disclosure, investigate the impact of corporate characteristics (Profitability, Company Size, Foreign Trading, Foreign Ownership, Sustainability Reporting, External Assurance) on the IR disclosure level, and identify whether there is a significant difference exists in the IR disclosure level before and during COVID-19 in the Sri Lankan context.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on the adoption of International Integrated Reporting Framework (IIRF) guidelines, integrated annual reports of 37 companies for the four years (2017/18 to 2020/21) representing financial, consumer staples, and industrial sectors were analyzed. A quantitative approach was adopted. Mean testing, regression analysis, and paired sample t-tests were used to test the hypotheses.
Findings
Results revealed a moderate level of disclosure with content elements described in the IIRF in the Sri Lankan context. Results of the regression analysis revealed that company size and sustainability reporting have a significant positive impact on the IR disclosure level of Sri Lankan listed companies. Moreover, the study's findings revealed a significant increase in the IR disclosure level during COVID-19 compared to before the pandemic.
Practical implications
The study's empirical findings may provide implications for current and potential IR adopters, policymakers, assurance providers, and other stakeholders who refer to integrated annual reports. Moreover, the findings of the study may provide valuable insights to corporate management in facilitating the IR process and adopting IR practices in Sri Lanka in line with the guidelines prescribed in the International Integrated Reporting Framework.
Originality/value
The empirical findings of the study contribute to the existing literature by enhancing the understanding of IR adapters on the aspects of IR that need improvement in the Sri Lankan context. Further, the study addresses the methodological gap in the literature by undertaking a longitudinal analysis and using a weighted IR disclosure index.
The purpose of the study is to examine the level of Integrated Reporting (IR) disclosure, investigate the impact of corporate characteristics (Profitability, Company Size, Foreign Trading, Foreign Ownership, Sustainability Reporting, External Assurance) on the IR disclosure level, and identify whether there is a significant difference exists in the IR disclosure level before and during COVID-19 in the Sri Lankan context.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on the adoption of International Integrated Reporting Framework (IIRF) guidelines, integrated annual reports of 37 companies for the four years (2017/18 to 2020/21) representing financial, consumer staples, and industrial sectors were analyzed. A quantitative approach was adopted. Mean testing, regression analysis, and paired sample t-tests were used to test the hypotheses.
Findings
Results revealed a moderate level of disclosure with content elements described in the IIRF in the Sri Lankan context. Results of the regression analysis revealed that company size and sustainability reporting have a significant positive impact on the IR disclosure level of Sri Lankan listed companies. Moreover, the study's findings revealed a significant increase in the IR disclosure level during COVID-19 compared to before the pandemic.
Practical implications
The study's empirical findings may provide implications for current and potential IR adopters, policymakers, assurance providers, and other stakeholders who refer to integrated annual reports. Moreover, the findings of the study may provide valuable insights to corporate management in facilitating the IR process and adopting IR practices in Sri Lanka in line with the guidelines prescribed in the International Integrated Reporting Framework.
Originality/value
The empirical findings of the study contribute to the existing literature by enhancing the understanding of IR adapters on the aspects of IR that need improvement in the Sri Lankan context. Further, the study addresses the methodological gap in the literature by undertaking a longitudinal analysis and using a weighted IR disclosure index.
Biography
Lakshan is currently working as a Lecturer in Accounting at the School of Applied Business, which is a part of the Unitec Institute of Technology in New Zealand. His research interests include sustainability reporting, integrated reporting, and corporate social responsibility.
Chair
Guoman She
Assistant Professor
University of Hong Kong
