Integrated reporting quality and sustainability performance: does firms' environmental sensitivity matter?

Purpose - This study examines the effect of the environmental sensitivity of firms on the relationship between integrated reporting (IR) quality and sustainability performance. Prior research works focus on the nexus between IR quality and sustainability performance with little attention to factors that moderate this relationship. Design/methodology/approach - Ordinary least squares (OLS) and other robust estimations are employed to analyse the data of firms on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). Findings - This study finds a positive association between IR quality and sustainability performance. However, the strength of this relationship is found to be weaker among environmentally sensitive firms, thereby raising concerns that such firms may be reporting less sustainability information with the mandatory implementation of IR on the JSE. Practical implications - The findings highlight the need for regulatory bodies to consider additional sustainability disclosure requirements for firms in environmentally sensitive industries. Social implications - The findings should make regulatory bodies aware of the possible actions of environmentally sensitive firms in relation to sustainability information within a mandatory setting of IR. Originality/value - The study extends the existing literature on IR and sustainability performance by considering the effect of firm environmental sensitivity as a moderating factor.