Determinants of CSR disclosure quantity and quality: Evidence from non-financial listed firms in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the practice of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Disclosure in a Saudi Arabian context. This study has two particular objectives. First, it aims to measure the level of CSR disclosure quantity and quality. Second, it aims to investigate the determinants of CSR disclosure quantity and quality in a Saudi Arabian context. The study examined a sample from Saudi non-financial listed firms covering the period of 2013–2014. In addition, it develops CSR disclosure indices to measure the level of quantity and quality of CSR disclosure. The study found that Saudi Arabian firms provided higher levels of CSR disclosure quantity; however, the quality of the disclosure was relatively low. In addition, the study found that CSR disclosure quantity was positively associated with board size and the size of audit committee. However, it is negatively associated with percentage of governmental ownership and size of remuneration committee. In contrast, the quality of CSR disclosure was positively associated with the board size and the percentage of managerial ownership. However, the study found a negative association with the percentage of independent directors. The results suggest that Saudi Arabia provides higher levels of disclosure with a lower quality. In addition, the levels of CSR disclosure quantity and quality have different drivers.