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Early assessments of the gap between integrated reporting and current corporate reporting

Author

Listed:
  • Warwick Stent
  • Tuyana Dowler

Abstract

Purpose - – The purpose of this paper is to provide early assessments of the changes for corporate reporting processes, which an emerging initiative like integrated reporting (IR) will require. The authors also consider the potential for these changes to contribute towards resolving major problems such as financial and environmental crises. IR is gaining momentum globally, and the implementation of some form of future mandatory requirement in this regard appears likely. Design/methodology/approach - – The authors begin by developing a reporting checklist based on the requirements for IR, which they use to assess the gap between current “best practice” reporting processes and IR. They then propose systems thinking, a widely accepted approach to problem-solving, as a theoretical basis for assessing the IR Framework and for deeper consideration of the gap analysis. They demonstrate, at a paradigm level, how systems thinking can be used to assess IR and find that IR has the potential to offer specific and implementable strategies for operationalising systems thinking principles. Findings - – The authors assess 2011 annual reports and related online reporting practices for four New Zealand “best practice reporting entities”, using their reporting checklist. Although none of their sample entities published a full integrated report for 2011, reporting scores range from 70 to 87 per cent. The findings suggest that current reporting processes lack the integration, oversight and due attention to future uncertainties required by IR. While this appears to be a relatively small gap, systems thinking principles indicate that these deficiencies may be critical to sustainability and financial stability, the stated aims of IR. Research limitations/implications - – The normal limitations which apply to small sample studies. Practical implications - – The IR reporting checklist and systems thinking proposal could be used by policymakers, standard setters and firms to assist in assessing IR’s potential and the additional requirements it will impose for corporate reporting. Originality/value - – This study answers calls in the literature for a reactivation of the normative research agenda by assessing IR against systems thinking, a widely accepted approach to problem-solving. It contributes further to an understanding of IR through the development of a unique reporting checklist and by offering empirical evidence derived from application of this checklist.

Suggested Citation

  • Warwick Stent & Tuyana Dowler, 2015. "Early assessments of the gap between integrated reporting and current corporate reporting," Meditari Accountancy Research, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 23(1), pages 92-117, April.
  • Handle: RePEc:eme:medarp:v:23:y:2015:i:1:p:92-117
    DOI: 10.1108/MEDAR-02-2014-0026
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Thomas, Antonio & Scandurra, Giuseppe, 2023. "The transition toward sustainability of airport operators. Evidence from Italy," Journal of Air Transport Management, Elsevier, vol. 112(C).
    2. Amir Hossain & Sudipta Bose & Abul Shamsuddin, 2023. "Diffusion of integrated reporting, insights and potential avenues for future research," Accounting and Finance, Accounting and Finance Association of Australia and New Zealand, vol. 63(2), pages 2503-2555, June.
    3. Arie Pratama & Winwin Yadiati & Nanny Dewi Tanzil & Jadi Suprijadi, 2021. "Integrated Reporting in Southeast Asia: Does Value Creation Work?," Academic Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies, Richtmann Publishing Ltd, vol. 10, September.
    4. Yanqi Sun, 2023. "Can the innovation in sustainability disclosures reflect organisational sustainable development? An integrated reporting perspective from China," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 31(3), pages 1668-1680, June.
    5. Salsiah Mohd Ali & Syeliya Md Zaini & Mazurina Mohd Ali & Siti Syaqilah Binti Hambali, 2023. "Institutional Ownership and Integrated Reporting in the Digital Age: A Conceptual Exploration of Firm Performance in Malaysia," Information Management and Business Review, AMH International, vol. 15(4), pages 67-76.
    6. Nuradhi Kalpani Jayasiri & Sriyalatha Kumarasinghe & Rakesh Pandey, 2023. "12 years of integrated reporting: A review of research," Accounting and Finance, Accounting and Finance Association of Australia and New Zealand, vol. 63(2), pages 2187-2243, June.
    7. Giuseppe Scandurra & Antonio Thomas, 2023. "The SDGs and Non-Financial Disclosures of Energy Companies: The Italian Experience," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(17), pages 1-17, August.
    8. Ionuț Viorel Herghiligiu & Ioan-Bogdan Robu & Marinela Istrate & Maria Grosu & Camelia Cătălina Mihalciuc & Adrian Vilcu, 2023. "Sustainable Corporate Performance Based on Audit Report Influence: An Empirical Approach through Financial Transparency and Gender Equality Dimensions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(18), pages 1-28, September.

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