Integrated reporting: Much ado about nothing?

2021 ◽  
pp. 119-160
Author(s):  
Brigitte de Graaff ◽  
Bert Steens ◽  
Kees Camfferman

Integrated reporting, which helps companies to share their value creation pro-cesses with their stakeholders, has developed rapidly in recent years. Due to the increased attention paid to the International Integrated Reporting Framework is-sued by the International Integrated Reporting Council, the number of companies worldwide engaging in integrated reporting is continually rising, which is presuma-bly driven by the claimed benefits of this practice. Through recourse to legitimacy theory and management fashion theory, here we provide a preliminary assessment of the development of integrated reporting, alongside considering the potential in-fluence of academic research in its growth. We review the existing body of aca-demic literature on this topic, ultimately identifying 123 claims about the benefits of IR from 29 papers published in 15 journals between May 2011 and September 2016, before proceeding to analyse both the sources and the level of substantia-tion of these claims. Our findings suggest that only a few of the purported ad-vantages of integrated reporting are supported by actual empirical evidence, while most of the claims only cite a limited number of primary sources. Based on these results and our assessment of the development of the concept of IR, we propose a future research agenda.

2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 461-480 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Dumay ◽  
Cristiana Bernardi ◽  
James Guthrie ◽  
Matteo La Torre

Purpose This paper is motivated by the call for feedback by the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC) from all stakeholders with knowledge of the International Integrated Reporting Framework (<IRF>) and specifically of the enablers, incentives and barriers to its implementation. The paper synthesises insights from contemporary accounting research into integrated reporting (IR) as a general concept and <IR> as espoused by the IIRC in the <IRF> (IIRC, 2013). The authors specifically focus on possible barriers and emphasise the specific issues the authors feel could be rectified to advance the <IRF>, along with the areas that may potentially hinder its wider adoption and implementation. Design/methodology/approach The paper draws upon and synthesises academic analysis and insights provided in the IR and <IR> academic literature as well as various directives, policy and framework pronouncements. Findings The flexibility and lack of prescription concerning actual disclosures and metrics in the <IRF> could allow it to be used for compliance, regardless of the other benefits lauded by the IIRC. Thus the authors see forces, both external and internal, driving <IR> adoption, with one prominent example being the European Union Directive on non-financial reporting. Because of the different ways in which IR is understood and enacted, there are numerous theoretical and empirical challenges for academics. The authors paper highlights potential areas for further robust academic research and the need to contribute to <IR> policy and practice. Research limitations/implications The paper provides the IIRC, academics, regulators and reporting organisations with insights into current practice and the <IRF>. The authors highlight the need for further development and evidence to help inform improvements both from a policy and a practice perspective. A key limitation of the authors’ work is that the authors draw upon a synthesis of the existing literature which is still in an early stage of development. Originality/value The paper provides the IIRC with several insights into the current <IRF> and specifically with the enablers, incentives and barriers to its implementation. Also, it provides academic researchers with a number of important observations and an agenda upon which the authors can build their future research.


Author(s):  
Anne Carolina dos Santos ◽  
Kelli Juliane Favato ◽  
Marguit Neumann

Abstract The purpose of this article was to propose an agenda for future research on stakeholder management in integrated reporting. Framework 1.0 of integrated reporting addresses the management of stakeholders as a routine in the course of business, without further details. In turn, the academy can contribute in this regard. Integrated reporting is a recent development achieved after 30 years (or more) of attempts to effectively expand accountability to stakeholders. The engagement with stakeholders produces successful results in the long term, highlighting the need to indicate to them the value of using integrated reports. Due to the absence of details in Framework 1.0, it is up to academics to actively and cautiously monitor its development and implementation. This article’s contribution is to raise research to bring the practice of integrated reporting closer, as well as generate discussions to involve academics, the International Integrated Reporting Council, national councils, and report writers. Thus, the integrated report was discussed considering that its framework must be updated (how to do it) to impact the practice (the act of doing it). For this, we used a bibliographic methodology and content analysis. We also used the literature review methodology and content analysis. We mapped 11 factors, established 10 qualitative propositions, and 35 insights for future studies. The results indicate that the stakeholder management may have reached its potential in a ceremonial way, but it lacks definitions. For the academy and the International Integrated Reporting Council, the study contributes by mapping factors and suggesting the implementation of guidelines and debates with local commissions to overcome the deficiencies pointed out by this study.


2022 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 410-440
Author(s):  
Mona Othman ◽  
Norida Basnan ◽  
Azlina Ahmad ◽  
Mohd Fairuz Md Salleh

Background and Purpose: The Integrated Reporting framework as emphasised by The International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC) in 2013 (revised 2021), was accepted as one of the mechanisms nationwide to enhance public accountability. However, far fewer studies examined the intersection of the Integrated Reporting (IR) framework and the public sector. Addressing the gap, reviews of the literature were presented synthesising the adoption of the IR framework across public administration.   Methodology: By drawing upon SCOPUS, Science Direct and Mendeley databases were employed to generate academic literature beginning in 2011 through 2020. Following the inclusion and exclusion processes, 23 articles were selected and analysed by using ATLAS.ti 8.   Findings: The findings of the review were discussed qualitatively and quantitatively. Particular discerning were the qualitative findings; the findings outlined insights into key developments on the IR framework across the following groups, namely, ‘Fundamental Concepts’, ‘Guiding Principles’, and ‘Content Elements’. Key aspects of challenges concerning the adoption of existing frameworks in public administration were discussed.   Contributions: Future research might better consider developing a more appropriate IR framework for public administration, a framework that integrates policy and practice. By focusing on the academic literature emphasising the IR framework, academics, regulators, and reporting organisations could formulate appropriate strategies for public administration.   Keywords: Framework, integrated reporting, public sector, thematic review.   Cite as: Othman, M., Basnan, N., Ahmad, A., & Md Salleh, M. F. (2022). The integrated reporting framework across public administration: A thematic review. Journal of Nusantara Studies, 7(1), 410-440. http://dx.doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol7iss1pp410-440


2014 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 90-119 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mandy Cheng ◽  
Wendy Green ◽  
Pieter Conradie ◽  
Noriyuki Konishi ◽  
Andrea Romi

2020 ◽  
Vol 108 (164) ◽  
pp. 89-114
Author(s):  
Katarzyna Kobiela-Pionnier

The purpose of the article is to present and evaluate the current activities of the International Integrated Reporting Council to improve the International <IR> Framework, in particular the considerations con-tained in the document Integrated Thinking & Strategy. State of Play Report, as well as the proposed change in the approach to the main user of the integrated report in accordance with Topic Paper 3: Chart-ing a path forward. The context for the evaluation is the profound changes in the approach to non-financial information currently taking place among providers of financial capital. They are not only in-creasingly interested in ESG issues to make investment decisions on this basis, but they also include them in their own business activities. In the course of her argument, the author indicates that the main purpose of the IIRC's activities is the transition from monocapitalism to multi-capitalism as a new economic doctrine for the 21st century, which is to be supported by changes in the <IR> Framework and the design of an improved value creation model. The change of the main user of integrated reporting from the pro-vider of financial capital to providers of all capitals planned by IIRC seems to constitute the first element of the materialization of the concept of multi-capitalism.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nancy Doyle ◽  
Almuth McDowall

PurposeThe aims of the paper were to highlight the dearth of applied practitioner research concerning the expression of neurodiversity at work and develop an epistemological framework for a future research agenda.Design/methodology/approachA systematic empty review protocol was employed, with three a priori research questions, inquiring as to the extent of neurodiversity research within mainstream work psychology, psychology in general and lastly within cross-disciplinary academic research. The results of the final search were quality checked and categorized to illustrate where studies relevant to practice are currently located.FindingsThe academic literature was found to be lacking in contextualized, practical advice for employers or employees. The location and foci of extracted studies highlighted a growing science-practitioner gap.Research limitations/implicationsThe research focused on common neurominority conditions such as autism and dyslexia; it is acknowledged that the neurodiversity definition itself is broader and more anthropological in nature. A need for a comprehensive research agenda is articulated, and research questions and frameworks are proposed.Practical implicationsGuidance is given on applying disability accommodation to both individual and organizational targets.Social implicationsThe disability employment gap is unchanged since legislation was introduced. The neurodiversity concept is no longer new, and it is time for multi-disciplinary collaborations across science and practice to address the questions raised in this paper.Originality/valueThis paper offers an original analysis of the neurodiversity paradox, combining systematic inquiry with a narrative synthesis of the extant literature. The conceptual clarification offers clear directions for researchers and practitioners.


2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 713 ◽  
Author(s):  
Estibaliz Goicoechea ◽  
Fernando Gómez-Bezares ◽  
José Ugarte

Integrated reporting is a key instrument used to inform stakeholders about the sustainability issues of a company. Only an assured report can effectively instill confidence in its users regarding the sustainability of the company. Based on the International Integrated Reporting Framework issued by the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC), the authors solicited perceptions from auditors and audit report users about several aspects of integrated reporting assurance. An analysis of the responses suggests that integrated reporting assurance is important, but there are many challenges (both methodological and related to the characteristics of non-financial information) for auditors to overcome. Reporting companies and auditors must work to overcome these problems. The former ones must improve the quality of non-financial information and the later must adapt their audit procedures. This paper provides valuable insights into preferences regarding the form and content of the audit report on integrated reporting. This study is useful to regulators of audit activity, auditors’ corporations, the IIRC, and other international associations, academics, and audit report users, and contributes to the current integrated reporting literature by examining the perceptions of auditors and users regarding the assurance of integrated reporting. Integrated reporting assurance is still an under-explored field of research.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chijioke Nwachukwu

Purpose Integrated reporting (<IR>) promotes transparency in corporate reporting and communicate detailed information on how a firm creates value in the short, medium and long-term. The purpose of this paper is to systematically review <IR> to provide insights into theories, determinants, consequences, contingent variables and methods that have been used in previous studies. Design/methodology/approach The study was based on a systematic review of 17 articles published between 2017 and 2020. Findings Nine theories were used in prior studies. Board size, diversity, independence, level of activity of the board, the establishment of Higher Education Institutions (before or after 1992), adoption of IR framework, size, institutional ownership, sustainability committee and the use of non-financial performance measures in executives’ compensation contracts and separate risk management committees are determinants of <IR>. Further, the positive impact of <IR> on information asymmetry, market valuation of environmental, social and governance performance, financial performance, intellectual capital, sustainability embeddedness and organisational change, external sense of legitimacy and reputation, revenue growth, corporate environmental performance and circular economy-related information, with mixed findings for analyst earnings forecast accuracy, company value and market value. Only three studies used moderating and mediating variables to examine <IR>. Quantitative research approach and secondary data are most preferred by <IR> scholars. Research limitations/implications Some papers may have been omitted unintentionally, although the author did his best to include most of the prior published articles using a rigorous methodology. Practical implications This paper set out future research agenda on how <IR> research could be enhanced. Originality/value Contrary to prior systematic reviews that consider individual constructs/concept, the review herein adopts a comprehensive approach and considers moderating and mediating variables aside from theories, effects and determinants of integrated reporting.


Author(s):  
Marianne Jahre ◽  
Ala Pazirandeh ◽  
Luk Van Wassenhove

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to contribute to a more complete understanding of logistics preparedness. By comparing extant research in preparedness and logistics with findings from empirical analysis of secondary data, the authors develop a definition of and framework for logistics preparedness, along with suggestions for future research agenda. Design/methodology/approach The authors link the way in which humanitarian organizations define and aim to achieve logistics preparedness with extant academic research. The authors critically analyze public data from 13 organizations that are active in disaster relief and review papers on logistics preparedness and humanitarian logistics. Findings The authors found that, despite the increased attention, there is no unified understanding across organizations about what constitutes logistics preparedness and how it can contribute to improvements in operations. Based on the review of the academic literature, the authors found that the same is true for humanitarian logistics research. The lack of a common understanding has resulted in low visibility of efforts and lack of knowledge on logistics preparedness. Research limitations/implications On the basis of extant research and practice, the authors suggest a definition of and framework for logistics preparedness with related suggestions for future studies. Practical implications Findings can help the humanitarian community gain a better understanding of their efforts related to developing logistics preparedness and can provide a better basis for communicating the need for, and results from, funding in preparedness. Social implications Results can support improvements in humanitarian supply chains, thereby providing affected people with rapid, cost-efficient, and better-adapted responses. Originality/value The findings contribute to humanitarian logistics literature, first by identifying the issues related to the lack of a common definition. Second, the authors extend the understanding of what constitutes logistics preparedness by proposing an operationalized framework and definition. Finally, the authors add to the literature by discussing what future topics and types of research may be required.


Author(s):  
Daniel Sunghwan Cho ◽  
Paul Ryan ◽  
Giulio Buciuni

AbstractThe recent widespread interest of policy in entrepreneurial ecosystems has been complemented by a burgeoning academic research output. This research to date may be broadly categorized as focusing on place, actors, governance, and evolution. Of these groupings, evolutionary processes have been paid least attention despite their centrality to a dynamic ecosystem phenomenon that evolves from an origin through processes of growth, adaptation, and resilience. To redress this imbalance, we frame a future research agenda on evolutionary processes of entrepreneurial ecosystems. Foremost amongst these are the competing lens for the evolutionary processes, the appropriate and evolving geographic scope and boundaries of the ecosystem, and the evolving visible or invisible modes of governance. Methodologically, we call for greater use of longitudinal studies of such evolutionary processes.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document