Theoretical perspectives on corporate disclosure: a critical evaluation and literature survey

2014 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 257-286 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed A. Omran ◽  
Ahmed M. El-Galfy

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide an extensive and critical overview of the theoretical perspectives used in the accounting disclosure literature including economic theories, political and social theories. Design/methodology/approach – The paper reviews and discusses in details the positive accounting theory (PAT), agency theory, signalling theory, political economy theory (PET), stakeholder theory, legitimacy theory and contingency theory to identify the situations suit each of these perspectives. Findings – The main finding shows that there is no universal theory applicable for all situations or societies. For example, PAT is probably used when a corporation believes that its primary responsibility is to use its resources and engage in activities designed to maximise its profits. On the other hand, the PET seems to better explain why some corporations appear to respond to government or public pressure for information about their social impact. The agency theory provides the required framework to evaluate accounting choices and disclosure decisions in market-based studies. While the legitimacy theory seems to be more suitable for multinational corporations working in developed/democratic countries, the stakeholder theory seems to be most suitable for multinational corporations working in developing/dictator countries; whereas a corporation can manage its stakeholders. The contingency theory supports our main finding that different theories are required for different situations, as it clearly indicates that management's preferences of reporting practices are related to the nature of environmental and organisational constraints rather than their relative income effects. Originality/value – The paper contributes to the limited body of literature concerning the accounting disclosure theories and to identify the main theoretical perspective that can be used in the accounting disclosure research.

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Farhan Basheer ◽  
Saqib Muneer ◽  
Muhammad Atif ◽  
Zubair Ahmad

The primary purpose of the study is to explore the antecedents of corporate social and environmental responsibilities discourse practices in Pakistan. The industry sensitivity, government shareholding, block holder ownership, print media coverage, environmental monitoring programs, and strategic posture are examined as antecedents of corporate social and environmental responsibility practices. A multidimensional theoretical perspective namely stakeholder theory (ST), institutional theory (IT), agency theory (PAT), and legitimacy theory (LT) is used to conceptualize the phenomena. All the four of perspective theories (positive accounting theory, legitimacy theory, stakeholder theory, and institutional theory) claim that there are ‘pressures’ that impact the organization. How much ‘pressures’ are recognized, managed or satisfied differs from one perspective of theory to the other. To estimate the data, this study uses three sets of panel data models, i.e., the pooled ordinary least squares model (POLS) or constant coefficients model, fixed effects (FEM or least squares dummy variable/LSDV model) and random-effects models. The final sample is comprising of 173 firms over eight years from 2011 to 2017. The firms listed in PSX are included in the sample. Overall the findings of the study have shown agreement with the proposed results. However, the study has provided more support to the institutional theory and stakeholder theory. Keywords: Corporate Social Responsibility, Stakeholders Theory, Agency Theory, Pakistan


Author(s):  
Mohamed A. Omran ◽  
Dineshwar Ramdhony

This study provides an extensive critical review of the theoretical perspectives applied on corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure literature. From a CSR standpoint we review and discuss, in detail, legitimacy theory, stakeholder theory, social contract theory, and signalling theory to identify the situations that suit each of these perspectives. The findings show that there is no universal theory applicable on corporate social responsibility disclosure for all situations or societies. While legitimacy theory suggests CSR disclosures are part of a process of legitimation, stakeholder theory offers an explanation of CSR accountability to stakeholders. Legitimacy theory seems to be more suitable for organizations working in developed countries, on the other hand, stakeholder theory appears to be most suitable for organizations working in developing countries; where a corporation can manage its stakeholders and the pressure to comply with existing legislation is less as compared to the developed countries. Social contract theory is appropriate for developed/emerged economies, as CSR disclosure exists due to an implicit social contract between business and society, which implies some indirect obligations of business towards society. Signalling theory will suit a situation where firms are competing for resources. A firm willing to demarcate from other firms will engage in more CSR practices. It is also important that the signal reaches the target audience by reporting on CSR. 


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gülçin Polat

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze the business model of techno parks (TPs) in Turkey and shed light on the value co-creation in TPs in the light of the service perspective and stakeholder theory. Design/methodology/approach In this conceptual paper, a generic business model canvas for Turkish TPs has been elicited based on an in-depth review of the literature. Then, the functioning of the model and the nature of value co-creation have been viewed through the lenses of service perspective and stakeholder theory, and then the relationships and flows between the components of the business model have been visualized with a dynamic model. Findings The institutional environment leads Turkish TPs to have similar business models with functional differences. The value is co-created by stakeholders in TPs and value co-creation depends on the skills, competencies and cooperative efforts of all actors involved in the functioning of the business model. Practical implications This paper provides insight for TP management companies to improve their business models, for policymakers to refine institutional framework to enable effective functioning of TPs and for stakeholders to understand their role in value co-creation. Originality/value This paper provides a dynamic framework and a model for understanding business models of TPs and the value co-creation process, which is an understudied area, especially in a developing country context. It also extends the business model and value co-creation literature in the context of TPs by integrating multiple theoretical perspectives.


2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (6) ◽  
pp. 1059-1087 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorenzo Simoni ◽  
Laura Bini ◽  
Marco Bellucci

Purpose The purpose of this study is to extend existing knowledge on the determinants of sustainability report (SR) assurance practices. Four different theories – stakeholder theory, institutional theory, signaling theory and legitimacy theory – are used to formulate several hypotheses regarding the main factors that can influence a company’s decision to assure its SRs. Design/methodology/approach Using a sample of 417 listed organizations based in different European countries over five years, the effects of stakeholder commitment, country orientation toward sustainability, firm environmental performance and business ethics controversies on the decision to assure SRs are assessed. Findings The results show that a company’s decision to assure its SRs is motivated by the need to maintain good relations with its stakeholders (which is in line with stakeholder theory and legitimacy theory), as well as by the willingness to signal their sustainability performance (which is in line with signaling theory) and to gain legitimacy. On the contrary, business ethics controversies do not seem to be relevant to a company’s assurance practices. Originality/value This paper provides new insights into the influence that social, environmental and institutional factors have on assurance strategies. New factors that previous research does not investigate – environmental performance, business ethics controversies and corporate governance – are tested. Factors that are already investigated in the literature are considered from an original perspective of introducing alternative measures (e.g. for the scope of national sustainability policies).


2014 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 300-319 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Marie L’Huillier

Purpose – This paper aims to develop a framework of connotative meanings afforded to the term “corporate governance”. Design/methodology/approach – An examination of academic publications from 1985-2012 containing the term “corporate governance” was conducted. The articles are sorted into the theoretical constructs that influence the contemporary connotative meaning of corporate governance. Findings – That a combination of a weak definitional base coupled with strong motivational forces have aided the development of competing theoretical perspectives of the meaning of corporate governance. The dominant meaning is written from an agency theory perspective. Research limitations/implications – Theoretical analysis was restricted to articles found in academic journals published since 1985. Practical implications – This study provides a very useful analysis into the connotative meanings and theoretical bases used by academic writers in the study of corporate governance. Originality/value – This paper provides an updated and developed analysis to the theoretical dimensions that underpin the contemporary use of the term “corporate governance”.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Corsi ◽  
Antonio Prencipe ◽  
Danilo Boffa

Purpose This study aims to investigate the role assumed by corporate governance mechanisms in guiding a corporate organization to take on benefit company (BC) model using the theoretical models of agency theory and stakeholder theory applied to the corporate social responsibility activities of the firm. In detail, it has been hypothesized that the phenomenon of chief executive officer (CEO) duality, independent directors and female directors has a positive effect on the likelihood of a firm taking the model of a BC. Design/methodology/approach A panel sample of 354 Italian firms taking the institutional model of BC and a control group of 600 firms extracted from the Aida BvD database were analysed. Data covers a period from 2009 to 2018. To empirically validate the advanced research hypotheses, four non-linear probit regression models were estimated. Findings The results show that CEO duality seems to have a positive influence on the company’s likelihood of taking the model of a BC. Similarly, the independence of the board of directors and the gender diversity within the board of directors have a positive impact on the company’s likelihood of assuming the model of a BC. Originality/value The research work contributes at integrating the emerging debates into the literature about the relationship between corporate governance and corporate responsibilities by expanding them into new and emerging business context of the hybrid organizational model. Further, the systematic use of the theoretical models of agency theory and stakeholder theory applied to socially responsible activities will improve the understanding of the heterogeneous relationships between corporate governance and choice for the institutional model of BC.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Uyar ◽  
Merve Kilic ◽  
Cemil Kuzey

PurposeDrawing on neo-institutional, stakeholder, social contract and contingency theories, the objective of this study is to examine whether cultural values across countries may influence decisions to assure integrated reports.Design/methodology/approachFor this purpose, the authors have collected integrated reporting assurance, national culture and firm-specific data from several sources for the years ranging between 2011 and 2016 and have performed pooled and panel logistic regression analyses.FindingsThe authors found that corporations established in countries where the following characteristics prevail have higher tendencies to assure integrated reports: high collectivism among people, low power distance, strong feminine values rather than masculine values, high uncertainty avoidance, pursuance of short-term goals rather than long-term and a low level of indulgence.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is not free from limitations. First, the authors were only able to obtain assurance data for the years between 2011 and 2016 since 2011 was the initial year in which integrated reporting was adopted. Second, culture variables used throughout the study remained the same for each year due to the unavailability of differing data. This was noted in prior studies as well; thus, this is not an exception. Third, the assumption that all companies in a country have the same culture score is inherent in the scoring system of countries (Orij, 2010).Practical implicationsBased on the results, the authors drew implications for organizations, policymakers and assurance service providers. Multinational corporations can benefit from the outcome of this study by considering national cultures in formulating their corporate strategies. Finally, assurance service providers can position themselves in the marketplace by the findings of this study.Originality/valueThis paper aims to enhance the comprehension of corporate reporting practices by companies that operate in different countries, with necessarily varying cultural values. To the best knowledge of the authors, no prior study has yet examined the impact of national culture on the assurance of integrated reports.


Humanomics ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 75-83 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sulaiman Abdullah Saif Al-Nasser Mohammed ◽  
Joriah Muhammed

Purpose In relation to the critical problem, this paper aims to present an understanding of the agency theory and the stakeholder theory from the perspective of the Islamic principles. Indeed, a thorough examination of the theoretical background explaining corporate governance from the Islamic perspective is necessary to conduct research analysing corporate governance in Islamic banks. Design/methodology/approach The authors followed a critical review discussion; this method takes into consideration presenting important theories and comparing those theories with Islamic perspective. Findings The authors presented important arguments on the difference between ordinary theories to explaining corporate governance and Islamic perspective. The paper browsed into whether the Shariah Supervisory Board is a fit with the agency theory by explaining the agency theory and how it differs from the Islamic banking concepts. The paper involved an analytical review on stakeholder theory and presented a critique and the rationale as to why there is ample room for the Shariah Supervisory Board to be considered a fit with the stakeholder theory, as the Shariah Supervisory Board is an independent body influencing the firm. Originality/value The paper is of important value to those conducting research in the area of governance in Islamic banks; they may find it beneficial in terms of underlining theory building their research framework.


2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 82-88
Author(s):  
Nirmala Devi Mohanadas ◽  
Abdullah Sallehhuddin Abdullah Salim ◽  
Suganthi Ramasamy

Objective - Although corporate tax avoidance is a widely discussed topic in the literature, conflicts do emerge when it is analyzed through the context of primary corporate duty. Should companies, in managing their taxes, solely honor their obligation to increase shareholders' wealth or should they cater to the interests of all their stakeholders? Such conflicts are especially evident in the inconsistent empirical observations on how corporate tax avoidance relate to corporate social responsibility (CSR), which makes the dearth of theoretical analysis on this issue even more conspicuous. Taking into account the socio-political nature and human elements in corporate tax avoidance, theoretical analyses from social sciences' perspectives are becoming markedly crucial. Methodology/Technique – This paper critically reviews the extant literature for discussions on how corporate tax avoidance is influenced by the dissenting approaches towards primary corporate duty. Findings – By allowing an insight into how people act and the world they live in, these analyses form a constructive tool to rationalize and foretell managerial actions towards shareholders and stakeholders alike. Novelty – It focuses particularly on the theories that are widely used to lend supports for such approaches. These theories are the agency theory, stakeholder theory, and legitimacy theory. Type of Paper - Review. Keywords: Corporate Tax Avoidance; Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR); Theoretical Analysis; Shareholder Approach; Stakeholder Approach; Agency Theory; Stakeholder Theory; Legitimacy Theory. JEL Classification: G30, G32, G39.


2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 40
Author(s):  
Michel Sayumwe

In this paper, we discuss the evolution of the literature on corporate governance based on many theoretical perspectives, including agency theory, stakeholder theory, theory of resource dependence and stewardship theory.


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