Company's Social Performance Reporting Based on International Standards: A Comparative Analysis Across Central and Eastern Europe

Abstract

Purpose: This paper aims to accomplish a comparative analysis of the social performance reporting, based on international standards in Central and Eastern Europe, thus, an image of companies' active involvement in achieving sustainability goals and of their commitment towards social performance reporting. Design/Methodology/Approach: The main tool utilized as part of this analysis is the international GRI (Global Reporting Initiative) - Social indicators reporting, and it is being approached in a comparative manner across CEE countries. Findings: GRI social indicators reporting for selected companies in Central and Eastern Europe provides both a quantitative and a qualitative approach and based on it, we can propose a scoring grid that would later be useful in evaluating the overall financial and social performance. Practical information: The bi-dimensional approach to financial performance versus social performance is a current one in the context of the global economy currently when economic developments are increasingly challenging pre-existing business models. There is a need for a new approach, a re-conceptualization of the classic business model, but also, for the clear evaluation and identification of company's both financial and social performance. Originality/Value: As a result, this paper develops, based on the GRI standard methodology and a comparative analysis and a scoreboard aiming to test a potential assessment of a company's social performance.