Fulfilling stakeholders' demand: Exploring CSR assurance's contribution to firms' environmental and social disclosures

Abstract

AbstractThis paper rigorously explores the impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) assurance on the environmental and social disclosures of S&P 500 firms over the period 2010–2018. Integrating annual financial, CSR assurance and environmental and social disclosures data, our study unveils a positive association between CSR assurance and firms' environmental and social disclosures. In a pioneering analysis, we delve into the nuanced interplay between CSR assurance, female directors and environmental and social disclosures. Intriguingly, our findings reveal a negative and significant interaction between female directors and CSR assurance, shedding light on potential substitutes in shaping environmental and social disclosures. Furthermore, our study uncovers the moderating effect of sensitive industries, indicating a positive relationship between CSR assurance and environmental disclosures. Importantly, these insights remain robust across alternative estimation approaches. This study marks a notable contribution by being the first to scrutinize the implications of CSR assurance on social disclosure, investigate the substitutive role of female directors in comparison with CSR assurance and shed light on the added significance of CSR assurance in firms operating in sensitive industries. Our findings provide valuable insights for corporations and stakeholders amid escalating demands for comprehensive and reliable reporting on environmental and social matters. Likewise, this study underscores the potential policy implications of promoting or mandating CSR assurance, given its positive impact on environmental and social disclosures. Policymakers are urged to consider initiatives fostering gender diversity on boards and industry‐specific approaches to enhance sustainability‐related disclosures, aligning regulatory frameworks with evolving stakeholder expectations.