Exploring forward-looking information in integrated reporting

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 102-121 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisa Menicucci
Keyword(s):  
Firm Size ◽  
Multivariate Regression Analysis ◽  
Firm Characteristics ◽  
Integrated Reporting ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Reporting Framework ◽  
Research Gap ◽  
International Integrated Reporting Council ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Forward Looking

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of firm characteristics on forward-looking disclosure (forward-looking information (FLI)) within the context of integrated reporting (IR). The study assesses the extent of FLI provided in integrated reports and empirically fills the research gap into the topics of FLI disclosed in the IR. Design/methodology/approach A manual content analysis is run to investigate the level and the topics of FLI in 282 integrated reports available in the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC) website. A disclosure index composition consisting of 27 information items is developed from the list of content elements comprised in the Integrated Reporting Framework (IIRC, 2013). Three hypotheses are proposed and eight models are tested within a multivariate regression analysis in order to explore the effects of three main variables (firm size, profitability and leverage) on FLI. Findings The study confirms that firms are reluctant to provide FLI in integrated reports. The results show that profitability and firm size have a statistically significant relationship with the level of specific topics of FLI. Conversely, leverage is found to be insignificant in explaining the extent of FLI. Research limitations/implications To improve the reliability of findings presented in this study, several others may be conducted by inspecting more variables that may affect the extent of FLI or by increasing the number of companies included in the sample. Practical implications The results provide comprehensive insights into the current forward-looking disclosure practices of early adopters in integrated reports and can be a useful evidence for preparers of it. This paper has also practical implications especially for managers and regulators (e.g. IIRC) since it encourages further efforts to promote FLI if firms want that the disclosure offered in the IR is perceived as “informative” by their significant stakeholders. Originality/value The research adds to the prior disclosure literature concerning FLI since acquired results are ambiguous. There are a very restricted number of studies that have explained the variation of FLI in the light of firm characteristics and no study has analyzed this research topic within the context of IR.

scholarly journals Forward-Looking Intellectual Capital Information in Integrated Reporting: An Empirical Analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (8) ◽  
pp. 167
Author(s):  
Elisa Menicucci ◽  
Guido Paolucci
Keyword(s):  
Firm Size ◽  
Intellectual Capital ◽  
Multivariate Regression Analysis ◽  
Firm Characteristics ◽  
Integrated Reporting ◽  
Voluntary Reporting ◽  
Reporting Behaviors ◽  
International Integrated Reporting Council ◽  
Research Show ◽  
Forward Looking

The aim of the paper is to explore the amount of forward-looking intellectual capital information (FL_ICI) in Integrated Reporting (IR) and the effect of firm characteristics on FL_ICI within this context. This study empirically bridges the research gap on the issues of forward-looking information (FLI) and adds to intellectual capital (IC) disclosure research. In particular, the paper responses to two research questions specifically: what are the extent and the content of FL_ICI and what are the factors that impact on different IC voluntary reporting behaviors in IR. A content analysis is apply to inspect the subjects and the amount of FL_ICI in reports accessible in the web site of the International Integrated Reporting Council. Five Models are verified using a multivariate regression analysis to investigate the influence of three independent variables (firm size, profitability and leverage) on FL_ICI. The research proves that companies are reluctant to disclose FL_ICI in integrated reports. The findings of the research show that the majority of FL_ICI regards relational capital. The regression model also reveals that firm size and profitability have a statistically significant influence on specific topics of FL_ICI. On the contrary, leverage appears insignificant in determining the amount of FL_ICI. The research contributes to prior disclosure literature regarding forward-looking information since prior research results are unclear. There is a limited number of studies that investigated FL_ICI in relation to firm characteristics and no studies have investigated this issue within the setting of IR.

Integrated reporting and board characteristics: evidence from top Australian listed companies

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed Omran ◽  
Dinesh Ramdhony ◽  
Oren Mooneeapen ◽  
Vishaka Nursimloo
Keyword(s):  
Firm Size ◽  
Gender Diversity ◽  
Listed Companies ◽  
Board Independence ◽  
Integrated Reporting ◽  
Growth Opportunities ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Board Characteristics ◽  
International Integrated Reporting Council ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeDrawing upon agency theory, this study analyses the influence of board characteristics on integrated reporting (IR) for the top 50 companies listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX50). Focus is placed on IR at the aggregate level as well as its separate components, namely Future Opportunities and Risks (FOPRI), Governance and Strategy (GOVSTR), Performance (PERF), Overview and Business Model (OBM) and General Preparation and Presentation (GPP).Design/methodology/approachA checklist is devised based on the IIRC (International Integrated Reporting Council) framework to track companies' disclosures for the period from 1st July 2014 to 30th June 2017. Regression analysis is used to investigate the determinants (board size, board independence, activity of the board, gender diversity, firm size, profitability and growth opportunities) of IR and its separate components.FindingsThe findings indicate a significant and positive effect of board independence on the aggregate IR index, FOPRI and GPP. A negative and significant association is found between activity of the board and both the aggregate IR index and its separate components, including GOVSTR, PERF and GPP. Additionally, the aggregate IR index is significantly related to firm size, profitability and growth opportunities.Research limitations/implicationsThe limited sample of 50 companies over three years is the main limitation of the study. The study suffers from an inherent limitation from the use of content analysis in assessing the level of IR. No checklist to measure the level of IR can be fully exhaustive. Furthermore, we focus on whether an item in the checklist is disclosed, using a dichotomous scale, thus ignoring the quality of information disclosed.Practical implicationsThe study has several practical implications. From a managerial perspective, it shows that having more board meetings harms the level of IR. The results can guide regulators, such as the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) and the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX), when drafting new regulations/guidelines/listing rules. If regulators aim for a higher level of integration in the reports, they know which “triggers to pull” to attain their target. Our results can guide regulators to choose the appropriate trigger among various alternatives. For instance, if a higher level of integrated reporting is desired, size instead of profitability should be chosen. Finally, ASX listed companies can use our checklist as a scorecard for their self-assessment.Originality/valueThis research is the first to investigate IR by devising a checklist based on IIRC (2013) along with an additional GPP component in the ASX context. Using separate models to examine each component of the aggregate IR index is also unique to this study. The study also brings to the fore the role of gender-diverse boards in promoting IR. It reiterates the debate about imposing a quota for better gender representation on boards.

Top ten South African companies’ disclosure of materiality determination process and material issues in integrated reports

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 230-247 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natasja Steenkamp
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Environmental Issues ◽  
Integrated Reporting ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sustainable Performance ◽  
Award Winning ◽  
Reporting Framework ◽  
Determination Process ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop guidelines of what award winning companies, leading practice in integrated reporting (IR) disclose in their integrated reports about material issues and their materiality determination processes. Also, to provide insight into what they disclose about their perception of materiality. Design/methodology/approach A content analysis was conducted to investigate what the top 10 South African companies of the 2015 Ernst and Young Excellence in Integrated Reporting Awards disclosed in their 2014 and 2015 integrated reports about their materiality determination processes, material issues and what materiality means to them. Thematic analyses were conducted in developing guidelines. Findings All except one company applied the International Integrated Reporting Framework. The materiality determination processes, material issues and companies’ descriptions of materiality are diverse. Material issues most companies identified relate to employees, social and environmental issues, customers and sustainable performance. Practical implications The proposed guidelines will provide useful strategies for organisations embarking on the IR journey about what issues could be considered as material and therefore included in integrated reports. It also proposes activities companies can undertake to identify, evaluate and prioritise material issues and execute their materiality determination process. Originality/value This paper is the first to develop guidelines of material matters and materiality determination processes. It also adds to existing literature on IR practice and the application of materiality.

Readability of integrated reports: an exploratory global study

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (5) ◽  
pp. 1532-1557
Author(s):  
Gerard William Stone ◽  
Sumit Lodhia
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Scale Analysis ◽  
Integrated Reporting ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Corporate Reporting ◽  
Large Scale Analysis ◽  
Accessible Information ◽  
International Integrated Reporting Council ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose A goal of integrated reporting (IR) under the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC)’s leadership is to provide clearly written, comprehensible and accessible information. In light of this objective, the purpose of this paper is to explore the readability and accessibility of integrated reports, an issue magnified by the IIRC’s continual commitment to clear and readable report language, and its intention for IR to become the corporate reporting norm. Design/methodology/approach In a whole text software facilitated analysis, the study utilises readability measures and supplementary measures of reader accessibility in a multi-year analysis of a large sample of global integrated reports sourced from the IIRC examples database. Findings The findings highlight the low readability of analysed integrated reports and indicate that readability is not improving. The supplementary measures suggest sub-optimal use of visual communication forms and overuse of structural presentation techniques which may contribute to reader accessibility of the analysed reports. Research limitations/implications The study extends readability analysis to an emerging corporate reporting phenomenon and its findings contribute to the growing IR literature. The study applies supplementary measures of reader accessibility which advance the methods available to assess the communication efficacy of integrated and other corporate reports. Practical implications The analysis of the readability and accessibility of integrated reports in the study indicates that the IIRC’s goal of clear, comprehensible and accessible reporting is not reflected by reporters’ practices. This has implications for the IIRC, reporting organisations, report readers and regulators. Originality/value The study represents the first large-scale analysis of the readability and accessibility of global integrated reports.

Sustainability KPIs for integrated reporting

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 625-642 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tomoki Oshika ◽  
Chika Saka
Keyword(s):  
Performance Indicators ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Integrated Reporting ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Listed Firms ◽  
A Value ◽  
New Perspective ◽  
The Stability ◽  
International Integrated Reporting Council ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The framework of the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC) is principles-based and does not provide specific key performance indicators (KPIs) for integrated thinking and reporting. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to propose KPIs for integrated reporting which decipher a firm’s sustainability through empirical analysis. Design/methodology/approach As a proxy of firms’ sustainability, the authors focus on firms that have survived for more than 100 years and that have already achieved sustainability, and analyze these firms to reveal the financial features that distinguish sustainable firms from the other firms. Findings The study found two distinguishing facts: the value added that is distributed to stakeholders other than shareholders is significantly larger, and the stability of profitability and the profitability itself are significantly higher in sustainable firms. Practical implications The study proposes a value-added distribution and the stability of profitability as sustainability KPIs for integrated reporting. Originality/value First, this study provides the first evidence that value added distribution and the stability of profitability distinguish a firm’s sustainability. Second, it provides a new perspective in the search for sustainability KPIs. Third, as the empirical data consist of all listed firms in 136 countries, the results should be robust and general.

Modifying assurance practices to meet the needs of integrated reporting

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 400-427 ◽  
Author(s):  
Warren Maroun
Keyword(s):  
Financial Reporting ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Analytical Techniques ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Integrated Reporting ◽  
Test Procedures ◽  
Content Type ◽  
International Integrated Reporting Council ◽  
Integrated Or ◽  
Forward Looking

Purpose Traditional methods of assurance outlined by current professional standards are risk-based models where the emphasis is on the veracity of published data rather than on the rigour of the interpretation or analysis of information provided to users. As such, they are not well suited for expressing an opinion on qualitative, subjective or forward-looking assessments typically included in integrated reports. In this context, the purpose of this paper is to describe an alternate approach to assurance and identifies the initial elements of an “interpretive assurance model”. Design/methodology/approach The research is exploratory/interpretive. It relies on detailed interviews with experienced auditors and preparers to develop an initial approach for providing some level of assurance over an integrated report. Findings The research identifies elements of an interpretive assurance model which focusses on providing assurance on the interpretation and analysis of information included in an integrated report rather than on underlying data. These include an examination of the completeness of the explanation of the value creation process provided in an integrated report; the methods used to support management discussion and analysis; and the reasonability of the review process used to ensure the reliability of qualitative, subjective and forward-looking representations contained in an integrated report. Research limitations/implications The study is conducted in a South African setting. While limiting the study to a single jurisdiction may be seen as a limitation, local preparers and auditors have had at least five years of experience with the application of an integrated reporting framework and are in a strong position to provide detailed insights. Practical implications An interpretive assurance model shifts the focus from objective verification of data using defined test procedures to evaluation of the interpretation and analysis process used to prepare an integrated report. Application of the proposed model will require practitioners and auditing students to be trained extensively in qualitative analytical techniques. The inherent complexity of contemporary business models and the multi-dimensional focus of integrated reports will also result in changes in the composition of audit teams which are currently dominated by experts in financial reporting rather than integrated or strategic business management. Originality/value The paper is the first to offer a practical approach for providing assurance over an integrated report. It responds to calls form the International Integrated Reporting Council and International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board for more innovative assurance models for addressing the reporting needs of contemporary organisations.

scholarly journals Integrated reporting in higher education: insights from Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahalaximi Adhikariparajuli ◽  
Abeer Hassan ◽  
Mary Fletcher ◽  
Ahmed A. Elamer
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Northern Ireland ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Integrated Reporting ◽  
Effective Mechanism ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Educational Thought ◽  
Internal Process ◽  
International Integrated Reporting Council ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to examine the level of disclosure on content elements of integrated reporting (IR) in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales higher education institutions (HEIs). The authors suggest that integrated thinking is an internal process that organizations can follow to increase the level of disclosure on IR that can be used as an effective mechanism to enhance accountability with stakeholders. Design/methodology/approach International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC) guidelines and content analysis are used to analyze IR content elements in HEI reports from 2014-2016. Findings The results indicate a significant increase in the trend and extent of IR content elements. The HEI-specific characteristics examined, such as establishment of HEI; adoption of IR framework and governing board size are all statistically and positively associated with IR content elements disclosure. This paper introduces signalling theory to explore the idea that appropriate communication via integrated thinking can close the gap between the organization and its stakeholders via increased level of disclosure on IR content elements. Practical implications The results will assist policymakers and regulators to assess the benefits of voluntary implementation of IR at HEIs and evaluate possible mandatory implementation of IIRC guidelines. Second, the findings can assist managers of institutions interested in implementing IR. Social implications This study recommends universities to explicitly address IR issues in reporting, as this will increase their impact as leaders of educational thought in addition to their roles as partners, advisors, counselors and assessors. Originality/value This study explores whether HEIs in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales provide disclosure on IIRC content elements as a reflection of integrated thinking and whether the connectivity and interdependence between different departments will help to signal to stakeholders how HEIs create value for society.

The ungreening of integrated reporting: a reflection on regulatory capture

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline M. Bridges ◽  
Julie A. Harrison ◽  
David C. Hay
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Regulatory Capture ◽  
Integrated Reporting ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Reporting Framework ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
Capture Theory ◽  
International Integrated Reporting Council ◽  
Key Participants ◽  
Working Group Meeting

Purpose The initial rationale for developing integrated reporting included addressing the failures of traditional reporting to address sustainability issues. Subsequently, the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC) modified its stated objectives to emphasise integrated thinking and value creation. There has been debate on whether the IIRC’s process for developing its integrated reporting framework was subject to regulatory capture by the accounting profession (Flower, 2015; Adams, 2015; Thomson, 2015). This paper aims to provide additional evidence on the extent to which this regulatory capture occurred, with an update on current developments. Design/methodology/approach Data from interviews with key participants in the integrated reporting framework’s development and the IIRC’s Council and Working Group meeting minutes were analysed to identify to what extent the change in the IIRC’s focus can be explained by regulatory capture theory. Findings The findings show that the integrated reporting framework’s development was subject to regulatory capture by accountants. However, the extent of capture was mitigated to some extent by processes adopted in its development. This is consistent with regulatory capture theory. Originality/value This paper critically examines the debate on the extent to which the sustainability message has been lost as a result of regulatory capture. It provides an in-depth analysis of the IIRC’s treatment of sustainability which explores the application of regulatory capture theory and examines evidence not considered in previous studies.

To what extent are the underlying concepts of integrated reporting applicable for hi-tech knowledge-based organizations?

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Seyed Mohsen Mirsadri ◽  
Frédérique Bardinet-Evraert ◽  
Serge Evraert
Keyword(s):  
Small Sample ◽  
Integrated Reporting ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Corporate Transparency ◽  
Knowledge Based ◽  
Knowledge Based Economy ◽  
Reporting Framework ◽  
Method Approach ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine the proper structure for the integrated reporting of hi-tech knowledge-based organizations (KBOs); in particular, the authors evaluate the appropriateness of the concept and elements of integrated reporting for hi-tech KBOs. Design/methodology/approach The study uses an exploratory sequential mixed-method approach, including an initial qualitative case study, then an instrument development phase (Delphi), and finally, a quantitative survey. Findings The resulting analysis concluded that hi-tech KBOs have the potential to prepare a simplified, integrated report. The organization overview, governance, business model, strategies and resource allocation, performance, opportunities and risks are the content elements relevant to be included in the hi-tech KBOs annual report. However, the organization’s future outlook is not confirmed to be included. Due to liability and competitive concerns, organizations do not provide targets, forecasts, projections or even scenarios. Research limitations/implications Focus on a single country and a small sample of interviewees participated. Practical implications This paper concludes that the existing integrated reporting framework is useful for different types of organizations, but with some modifications. In addition, it analyzes how directors of Iranian hi-tech KBOs perceive and value content elements of integrated reporting. Social implications This paper suggests that the fulfillment of corporate transparency for Iranian hi-tech KBOs can be achieved by the policymaker’s support on integrated reporting. Originality/value Iran is swiftly moving toward a knowledge-based economy, and hi-tech KBOs will become the powerhouse of the economy. It is important to understand how managers of Iranian hi-tech KBOs perceive and value integrated reporting. The previous practical studies are not focused on Iranian firms and the impacts of integrated reporting on hi-tech KBOs and its implementation and effectiveness had not been studied before.

scholarly journals Enablers and barriers to the involvement of accountants in integrated reporting

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mitali Panchal Arora ◽  
Sumit Lodhia ◽  
Gerard Stone
Keyword(s):  
Financial Reporting ◽  
Institutional Entrepreneurship ◽  
Integrated Reporting ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Telephone Interviews ◽  
Corporate Reporting ◽  
Assurance Process ◽  
International Integrated Reporting Council ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose With the increasing adoption of integrated reporting and the subsequent interest of the accounting discipline in its development, this paper aims to examine the enablers and barriers to the involvement of accountants in integrated reporting. Design/methodology/approach The paper adopts a case study approach by collecting interview data from six organisations that have adopted integrated reporting internationally. In the selected organisations, face-to-face and telephone interviews were conducted with professionals who are involved in the preparation of an integrated report. The interviewees in this study included key integrated report preparers including accountants, corporate reporting managers, sustainability managers and other report preparers. Institutional entrepreneurship provided the theoretical insights for this study. Findings The study found that accountants’ expertise in corporate reporting and especially their knowledge of the assurance process was one of the major reasons why they were involved in integrated reporting. Accountants’ in-depth understanding of an organisation in addition to their general analytical and interpersonal skills were also found to be useful in preparing an integrated report. However, the voluntary nature of integrated reporting along with the lack of sufficient guidelines deterred accountants from being involved in integrated reporting. The study also found that accountants themselves did not see value in integrated reporting and found it challenging to convert numerical information to narratives, thus limiting their involvement in integrated reporting. Research limitations/implications Whilst prior studies have underlined accountants’ institutionalised practices, this study uncovers the strategies applied by accountants to maintain their institutionalised practices. The specific application of the institutional entrepreneurship concept identifies mechanisms and strategies through which accountants restrict their practices to narrow taken-for-granted roles. Practical implications This study uncovers practical implications by highlighting the factors that limit the involvement of accountants within integrated reporting. One of the major implications identified relates to the training of accountants to apply their existing skills and expertise in non-financial reporting to contribute effectively to multi-disciplinary teams that contribute towards integrated reporting in organisations. This study also provides an impetus for the International Integrated Reporting Council to provide more guidance for preparing an integrated report. Originality/value This is one of the initial studies that has explored the enablers and barriers to the involvement of accountants in integrated reporting through its focus on organisations that are already practising this form of reporting. The use of institutional entrepreneurship theory adds to the theoretical insights for exploring the involvement of the various actors in integrated reporting.

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