Board composition and corporate reporting on internet: Indian evidence

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of board composition on the level of corporate internet reporting (CIR) practices.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses content analysis to examine the CIR practices of 140 Indian companies selected from the Bombay Stock Exchange 200 index for the year 2015. CIR was measured on a comprehensive internet disclosure index of 136 items capturing both content and presentation dimensions. Regression analysis was used to explore the impact of board composition (board size, board independence, frequency of board meetings, CEO duality and family members on the board) and audit committee characteristics on CIR while controlling the impact of variables firm size, leverage, profitability and industry type.FindingsThe findings reveal that larger boards, boards with less family members and audit committees that meet more frequently are more likely to engage in CIR practices. In addition, larger firms and firms that make less use of debt tend to disclose more information on their websites.Research limitations/implicationsThe focus of the study has been on one aspect of corporate governance mechanisms i.e. board characteristics. Future studies can explore the impact of ownership structure on CIR practices.Originality/valueThis study extends the prior CIR research by demonstrating the effectiveness of corporate governance mechanisms in particular board characteristics in adopting internet reporting practices for Indian companies. The examination of the relationship between corporate reporting on the internet and corporate governance aids regulators in evaluating and enhancing the effectiveness of the boards.