Corporate Sustainability Reporting: Integration and Assurance Determinants from the Global Reporting Initiative

• In Event: Diversity, Emotional Intelligence, Sustainability & The Financial Crisis

Abstract

This study identifies variables of companies likely to provide an integrated corporate sustainability report (CSR), seek external assurance of the CSR, and select an accounting firm as the assurance provider. From 2012-2015, companies listed on a stock exchange, operating in the financial sector, and located in Africa are more likely to produce integrated CSRs. Private companies are more likely to produce nonintegrated CSRs. Listed companies and those in the financial sector are more likely to seek external assurance of CSRs while private and African companies and most other regions are less likely than European companies to seek external assurance. European and listed companies, and those disclosing the International Standard on Assurance Engagements (ISAE) 3000 standard are more likely to choose an accounting firm as the assurance provider. These results have important implications concerning the future demand for accounting firms to provide external assurance of integrated CSRs.

Authors

• Sharon C Grissom, University of Mississippi

• Karen Coleman Miller, Union University

• Dale L Flesher, The University of Mississippi