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Corporate social disclosure and legitimation strategy : a longitudinal study of Pechiney

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  • Bruno Oxibar

    (DRM - Dauphine Recherches en Management - Université Paris Dauphine-PSL - PSL - Université Paris Sciences et Lettres - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique)

  • Frédérique Déjean

    (DRM - Dauphine Recherches en Management - Université Paris Dauphine-PSL - PSL - Université Paris Sciences et Lettres - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique)

Abstract

This paper deals with corporate social disclosure (CSD). It consists in a longitudinal study of Pechiney CSD practices. Our research aims at identifying the determinants of such practices. Particularly, we document the link between CSD practices and public's concern.Theoretical framework is derived from legitimacy theory. Based on seminal work of Lindblom (1994), Deegan, Rankin & Tobin, (2002), we argue that CSD can be considered as a legitimation strategy. Indeed, CSD is a means used by firms to inform its stakeholders and also to manage public impressions as demonstrated by Neu, Warsame & Pedwell (1998).Regarding methodology, a content analysis of newspapers and annual reports allows the measurement of respectively public impression and CSD, on a period covering the second half of the 20th century.According to our questioning, the results confirm a strong link between on the one hand public opinion and on the other hand environmental and social disclosure. So, our theoretical framework seems relevant in explaining the use of CSD as a legitimation strategy. Beyond this finding, our analysis of verbatim shows that, contrary to a widespread belief, CSD is not a new phenomenon.Considering the number of studies dealing with CSD, our main contribution consists in offering a deep investigation based on a case study of a French company. Some perspectives proceed from this work. For instance, we suggest to extend the scope of determinants including events related to firm's story.

Suggested Citation

  • Bruno Oxibar & Frédérique Déjean, 2007. "Corporate social disclosure and legitimation strategy : a longitudinal study of Pechiney," Post-Print halshs-00150591, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:journl:halshs-00150591
    Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://shs.hal.science/halshs-00150591
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Cowen, Scott S. & Ferreri, Linda B. & Parker, Lee D., 1987. "The impact of corporate characteristics on social responsibility disclosure: A typology and frequency-based analysis," Accounting, Organizations and Society, Elsevier, vol. 12(2), pages 111-122, March.
    2. Trotman, Ken T. & Bradley, Graham W., 1981. "Associations between social responsibility disclosure and characteristics of companies," Accounting, Organizations and Society, Elsevier, vol. 6(4), pages 355-362, October.
    3. Neu, D. & Warsame, H. & Pedwell, K., 1998. "Managing public impressions: environmental disclosures in annual reports," Accounting, Organizations and Society, Elsevier, vol. 23(3), pages 265-282, April.
    4. Patten, Dennis M., 1991. "Exposure, legitimacy, and social disclosure," Journal of Accounting and Public Policy, Elsevier, vol. 10(4), pages 297-308.
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    1. repec:dau:papers:123456789/4205 is not listed on IDEAS
    2. Essegbe Kokoue Amaglo & Tsotso Kouevi, 2021. "Diffusion d'informations sociétales dans les rapports annuels des banques au Togo," Post-Print hal-03361523, HAL.
    3. Frédérique Dejean & Isabelle Martinez, 2008. "Communication environnementale et coût des fonds propres : Le cas des entreprises du SBF120," Post-Print halshs-00525815, HAL.

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