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Sustainability In Accounting - Basis: A Conceptual Framework

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  • Oana Raluca Ivan

Abstract

This paper motivation is to introduce a few guidelines of a model in search for a conceptual framework for sustainability reporting. We are presenting the levels of information reliability witch are derived mainly from accounting conceptual frameworks, and Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Guidelines. As the study methodology we are using an inductive approach: we analyze the qualitative characteristics of specific environmental indicators, in order to assess the degree of relevance and reliability of each particular provision. We will finally make an attempt to derive the objective of sustainability reporting, while evaluating the degree of usefulness of this type of documents that closely follow the more formalized process of financial reporting. We conclude that there are a number of reasons for not reporting; most of these are related to internal data reliability. Hence, stakeholders cannot distinguish between different types of data unreliability; and the GRI does little on this matter.

Suggested Citation

  • Oana Raluca Ivan, 2009. "Sustainability In Accounting - Basis: A Conceptual Framework," Annales Universitatis Apulensis Series Oeconomica, Faculty of Sciences, "1 Decembrie 1918" University, Alba Iulia, vol. 1(11), pages 1-10.
    • Handle: RePEc:alu:journl:v:1:y:2009:i:11:p:10
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. O'Dwyer, Brendan & Owen, David L., 2005. "Assurance statement practice in environmental, social and sustainability reporting: a critical evaluation," The British Accounting Review, Elsevier, vol. 37(2), pages 205-229.
    2. World Commission on Environment and Development,, 1987. "Our Common Future," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780192820808.
    3. Graham, David & Woods, Ngaire, 2006. "Making corporate self-regulation effective in developing countries," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 34(5), pages 868-883, May.
    4. John Elkington, 2006. "Governance for Sustainability," Corporate Governance: An International Review, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 14(6), pages 522-529, November.
    5. José M. Moneva & Pablo Archel & Carmen Correa, 2006. "GRI and the camouflaging of corporate unsustainability," Accounting Forum, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 30(2), pages 121-137, June.
    6. Alexander, David & Archer, Simon, 2000. "On the Myth of "Anglo-Saxon" Financial Accounting," The International Journal of Accounting, Elsevier, vol. 35(4), pages 539-557, 010.
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    Cited by:

    1. Beata Zyznarska-Dworczak, 2020. "Sustainability Accounting—Cognitive and Conceptual Approach," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(23), pages 1-24, November.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Sustainability; Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Guidelines; conceptual framework; inductive approach;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • M40 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Accounting - - - General
    • G30 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - General
    • H11 - Public Economics - - Structure and Scope of Government - - - Structure and Scope of Government

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