Benefits of Triple Bottom Line Disclosures on Corporate Performance: An Exploratory Study of Corporate Stakeholders

Abstract

Advocates of CSR argue that transparency and accountability are essential components of a successful sustainability strategy. In this context, sustainability reporting is one such tool for communicating organisational performance with respect to organisational CSR practices. This empirical paper examines the connection between such reporting practices and corporate performance from a stakeholder perspective. Using a sample of 141 respondents, comprising 21 corporate managers; 55 corporate employees and 65 consumers and investors, this study examined the connection between sustainability reporting and corporate performance. Four hypotheses were formulated and tested in the study. In addition to descriptive statistics, Kolmogorov-Smirnov (K-S), One Sample t-test and Multiple Regression Technique (MRT) were used in analyzing the primary data. The results of the data analysis showed a positive connection between sustainability reporting and corporate performance. Both consumers and investors were inclined to product purchase of green corporations. This would have the dual effect of increased market share and market capitalization of the companies. Employees were inclined to work in green corporations safeguarding their interests and healthy work environment. And corporate managers agreed that cost of recycling was generally cheaper than new purchase. Based on this, the study recommends the adoption of sustainability reports for organisations seeking sustainable corporate performance. The improved transparency and accountability levels of traditional financial reports through inclusion of TBL principles could serve as a labyrinth safeguarding corporations against legal hassle and surmounting stakeholder pressure. Thus, ultimately leading to improved market share, improved employee motivation and reduced labour turnover in such organisations.