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Local government website sustainability reporting: a mimicry perspective

Author

Listed:
  • Corina Joseph
  • Ross Taplin

Abstract

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to explain the role of mimetic isomorphism in relation to reporting sustainability information on local authority websites. Design/methodology/approach - The paper adopts a case study approach using semi‐structured interviews of 16 Malaysian local councils. Findings - The paper finds that 15 out of 16 of the interviewed councils mimicked the sustainability information on websites of other councils. Interviews revealed that they do so to copy ideas about sustainability activities implementation rather than reporting format. Councils imitate both Malaysian and international websites. Practical implications - Websites play an important role in the improvement of sustainability development for learning, benchmarking and cost reduction. The pattern of copying websites suggests a hierarchical model where councils lower in the hierarchy copy councils at the next level in the hierarchy. Originality/value - This paper adds to the limited literature on mimetic isomorphism of public sector website sustainability reporting in developing countries.

Suggested Citation

  • Corina Joseph & Ross Taplin, 2012. "Local government website sustainability reporting: a mimicry perspective," Social Responsibility Journal, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 8(3), pages 363-372, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:eme:srjpps:v:8:y:2012:i:3:p:363-372
    DOI: 10.1108/17471111211247938
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Peter Aning Tedong & Wan Nor Azriyati Wan Abd Aziz & Zafirah Al-Sadat Zyed, 2021. "Planners’ Perspectives on Governing and Producing Sustainable Cities in Malaysia," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 153(3), pages 1197-1214, February.
    2. Ashfaq Ahmad Khan & Wiqar Ahmad, 2013. "Matching resources with demand: a flawed strategy?," Asia-Pacific Development Journal, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), vol. 20(1), pages 63-89, June.
    3. Reginald Masocha, 2019. "Normative Environmental Configuration of SMEs within the Sustainable Development Discourse in South Africa: An Empirical Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(23), pages 1-13, November.
    4. Reginald Masocha & Olawale Fatoki, 2018. "The Impact of Coercive Pressures on Sustainability Practices of Small Businesses in South Africa," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(9), pages 1-14, August.
    5. Reginald Masocha & Olawale Fatoki, 2018. "The Role of Mimicry Isomorphism in Sustainable Development Operationalisation by SMEs in South Africa," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(4), pages 1-16, April.

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