The appearance of anti-corruption reporting in a developed market: UK evidence

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to examine anti-corruption disclosure (ACD) following government legislation, specifically the UK Bribery Act, 2010, through focusing on the UK extractive industry. Design/methodology/approach This study uses content analysis for data analysis with an ACD checklist developed to capture ACD in annual reports during the period 2003–2019. Findings The study found an increase in ACD following 2010, with companies answering ACD questions and addressing categories that they previously ignored. Originality/value Most of the previous studies have examined voluntary ACD; this study contributes to the literature by applying an index developed from government regulation to investigate the difference that regulation can make to disclosure. Hence, this study provides evidence of how, from an institutional perspective, legislation plays an important role in facilitating and endorsing anti-corruption reporting.