Organizations' Sustainability Reports: A Critical Analysis and Framework for (Better) Best Practices

Abstract

This study examines the sustainability reporting practices of a diverse sample of Canadian organizations that are named as leaders in corporate sustainability. We conducted an in-depth content analysis to identify key themes, such as the strategic alignment of environmental sustainability reporting with the associated impacts, emphasis on community-giving, and offering employee-centered social practices. Moreover, we expanded upon these findings by critically analyzing the sustainability reporting practices of these organizations to develop tangible recommendations for corporate practitioners, third-party rating organizations, and academic researchers. These recommendations are synthesized into a practical framework that draws upon examples from our dataset to provide targeted principles for effective corporate sustainability reporting, which we hope will highlight the need for—and steps to achieve—more effective corporate sustainability practice, reporting, assessment, and research. Ultimately, our findings suggest that companies, and third-party rating organizations alike, can do more toward reaching objectives concerning public accountability, and demonstrating a tangible commitment to sustainability.