Large Portuguese Companies Research Articles

What are the drivers behind Portuguese companies’ reporting on sustainable development goals?

Objective: This study explores how large Portuguese companies have started to integrate the SDGs into their non-financial reporting practices, and analyses some potential drivers of SDG reporting. Methodology: Standalone non-financial reports were collected from 2016 to 2022, resulting in a total of 161 reports from 41 companies. Through a content analysis of the non-financial reports, an index was developed to measure the level of SDG disclosure. Results: The results show that there is an increasing trend of reporting on the SDGs among large Portuguese companies, albeit at a slow and modest pace, mainly through sustainability reports. On average, Portuguese companies disclose on half of the 17 SDGs. In terms of the determinants of SDG reporting, listing, industry, adherence to the GRI framework and external assurance of reports by a Big4 firm were found to be determinants of SDG disclosure in our sample. Contrary to our expectations, ISO certification, sustainability committee and extended reporting are not significantly associated with the level of SDG disclosure by large Portuguese companies. Limitations: Our study has limitations, notably a small sample size. The SDG disclosure index we used only indicates whether information on SDGs is disclosed, without assessing content extent or quality, potentially limiting stakeholder value. Practical implications: Companies aiming to improve SDG disclosure should consider adopting the GRI framework or seeking assurance from a Big 4 firm. Additionally, regulators could use our findings when designing policies aimed at enhancing SDG reporting. Keywords: Sustainable Development Goals, 2030 Agenda, sustainability reporting, SDG reporting, Portugal.

Does Sustainability Reporting Impact Financial Performance? Evidence from the Largest Portuguese Companies

Does Sustainability Reporting Impact Financial Performance? Evidence from the Largest Portuguese Companies

The adoption of sustainable development goals by large Portuguese companies

PurposeTwo years on from the launch of the United Nations 2030 agenda, this study aims to approach just how and why large Portuguese companies are incorporating the sustainable development goals (SDGs) into their strategies. This sets out a theoretical framework for priority levels of management and the key rationales and motivations towards the adoption of the SDGs by companies within the scope of identifying logical and mutual connections.Design/methodology/approachThe proposed theoretical framework applied an empirical, qualitative study approach, deploying content analysis of the semi-structured interviews carried out.FindingsThe results convey how the responding companies are using the different management models identified for integrating the SDGs, with the strategic and operational facets of greatest relevance. There are various key reasons put forward in justification of this involvement, in particular highlighting the understanding of the 2030 agenda as an ethical and social contract followed by concerns over managing stakeholders. The results demonstrate that these main motivations influence the management level at which the SGDs undergo integration, yet they do not determine the type of integration.Research limitations/implicationsThe analysis of a limited number of companies and the fact that the semi-structured interviews were made with a single representative, which correspondingly reflects how the responses received convey the understandings, visions, values and responsibilities of these interlocutors.Originality/valueThis provides one of the first studies contributing towards understanding how and why businesses are aligning with the SDGs. At the conceptual level, this proposes a theoretical framework for analysing the underlying logics and the levels of integration into business management and how both can be interconnected. In practical terms, this clarifies how business management strategies may leverage the integration of the 2030 agenda as a mechanism for implementing corporate sustainability.

Corporate social responsibility disclosure in small and medium-sized entities and large companies

PurposeCorporate Social Responsibility (CSR) literature has focused mainly on larger firms. Only recently has discussion of the engagement of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in CSR emerged in research studies. Here we contribute to that growing discussion of CSR in SMEs by analyzing the disclosure practices of 57 Portuguese companies of different sizes (small, medium, large).Design/methodology/approachWe use stakeholder theory to identify the stakeholders that SMEs and large firms prioritize. By means of thematic content analysis and an index of disclosure (calculated according to company type and stakeholder type) we analyze whether business characteristics influence CSR disclose strategies.FindingsCompanies give priority to CSR activities that are directly related to maintaining business and achieving economic results. CSR disclosure practices of SMEs and large companies do not differ significantly. However, larger companies disclose more information on Environment and Society. Companies who are closer to consumers disclose more information on Customers, Community and Society. The act of assuring a CSR report drives system improvements and extended CSR disclosure.Research limitations/implicationsWe recognize that it is difficult to compare CSR in Small and large enterprises. For this reason, we have developed a methodology based on the most basic aspects of the CSRD, and therefore applicable without distinction to large and small companies.Practical implicationsA framework to evaluate the CSRD of SMEs was developed. We identify CSR indicators divided in five dimensions (customers, employees, environment, community and society) that are applicable to firms of all sizes.Originality/valueThis study extends knowledge of CSR by comparing the disclosure practices of SMEs and large (listed and un-listed) Portuguese companies. This study takes account of the particularities of SMEs and other fundamental business characteristics using a replicable assessment framework.

Quality in management accounting: approach by activities in large companies

This study intends to contribute to the knowledge about the approach by activities, a management accounting method that promotes the quality of information. As specific objectives, we have identified the following: to analyse the knowledge rate regarding the approach by activities, and identify whether there is a link between it and the financial officers' characteristics; to analyse the utilisation rate of the approach by activities, and the factors conditioning it; to analyse whether there is a link between a company's features, and the use of the approach by activities. The data collection method used was the application of a survey to the financial officers of the largest Portuguese companies, which yielded 61 valid responses. The results found allowed us to conclude the following: the time driven activity-based costing is very little known and used in Portugal; there is a link between the knowledge of the approach by activities and the financial officers' gender, age and educational background; there is a link between the use of the approach by activities and two company features: the legal form and the capital holding.

Main Motivations for CRM Adoption by Large Portuguese companies – A Principal Component Analysis

The motivations for an organization to adopt Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems can be very varied, which brings an additional complexity to the adoption decision. It is important to understand the main drivers of CRM adoption so that companies can better target their investment efforts. This paper presents and discusses the main findings of a study undertaken among a sample of large Portuguese companies, identifying and discussing the main motivations for CRM systems adoption. A survey was carried out for data collection, and a Principal Component Analysis was made to identify the main motivations. The study concludes that the main motivations for adopting CRM systems are related to cost reduction, improving overall customer satisfaction, improving processes, achieving competitive advantages and improving information quality. The findings of this study can help the academic and professional community to better understand the main motivations of companies for adopting CRM systems, and also for CRM systems vendors and consultants to better address the needs of their potential clients.

Success evaluation factors in construction project management — some evidence from medium and large Portuguese companies

The construction industry plays a very important role in the Portuguese economy. In 2009, it was among the top five economic sectors, representing 13% of total employment. Nevertheless, project failures are still frequent mainly due to inadequate management practices and to the intrinsic characteristics of projects of the construction industry. Even though Portuguese construction has improved in recent years, cost and schedule overruns, low productivity and final product quality problems are still common. In this context, project management is a crucial tool for improving construction operations and for the overall success of projects. The aim of this article is to contribute to the discussion on success evaluation factors in a field where little has been written — the construction industry. Through a survey of 40 medium and large Portuguese companies several factors were identified which are currently considered in the evaluation of project success, as found in the literature review. The results show that the traditional factors, often referred to as the “Atkinson elements triangle” (cost, time and quality), are still the most relevant for evaluating the success of a project, but others, such as customer involvement and acceptance, have gained importance in recent years.

An Empirical Analysis of the Dimensions of Corporate Social Responsibility in Portugal

This paper investigates factors that can explain the motivations of Portuguese companies to a social performance. The study was based on a sample of nineteen large Portuguese companies, listed on the PSI 20 index, for a period of five year, since 2005 to 2009. A Factorial Analysis was applied to identify the dimensions of Portuguese Corporate Social Responsibility using variables reference on the Green Book of European Community Commission (ECC, 2001). The results produced two dimensions that may explain Portuguese corporate motivation social performance: (1) Standards and Legal Requirements and (2) Ethic and social conduct. Further research may be done to find correlations with these dimensions and financial and economic corporate performance.

Use of the Six Sigma by the 500 Largent Companies in Portugal

The Six Sigma had its genesis in big industrial companies that have implemented it as a tool for reducing defects. The initial success encouraged its application in other areas and we see today successful implementation in other sectors such as services, and within their own organizations in other areas beyond production, setting; this has contributed to Six Sigma being recognized as a new management model. In order to determine the extent to which Six Sigma is present in Portuguese companies, a questionnaire has been designed to target the 500 largest, non-financial companies, operating in Portugal. From the analysis of the results, we can conclude that top management support and the level of involvement of employees in developing and implementing Six Sigma projects are perceived as critical factors in successful implementations. In terms of impact on the organization's adoption of Six Sigma, research conducted showed that after its implementation there have been gains in productivity and, in general, a greater satisfaction of external customers. Furthermore, findings evidenced that Six Sigma still has little expression in the large Portuguese companies, although there is an interest in this approach, only superseded by ISO 9001 and the Balanced Scorecard approach.Key words: Six Sigma. Management control. Quality. Firms in Portugal.

Motivations and Trends for IT/IS Adoption

Over the past few decades, information systems and technologies have taken on a wide variety of roles within organizations, ranging from operational support to the strategic support of the company. Therefore, there have been significant changes in the motives for their adoption that are vital to understand to guarantee that investment is properly managed. With the purpose of identifying and characterizing the motivations currently behind the adoption of information technologies in large Portuguese companies, which systems the companies have been implementing, in which systems they intend to invest in short-term, and what is the current role of information technology within the organization, we carried out a study with the participation of several chief information officers. The findings of this study reveal that the reasons for adoption and the role that information systems and technologies play is evolving in Portuguese companies and that the adoption of certain types of systems like Enterprise Resource Planning systems is now consolidated, whereas the adoption of other systems like Business Intelligence systems should increase significantly in the near future.

Accounting for firms' training programs: an exploratory study

PurposeThis paper aims to analyse two competing approaches to accounting for a firm's investment in staff‐training activities: the accounting and labour economics approach (which argues that no asset should be recognized from training activity); and the human resources management approach (which advocates recognition of an asset).Design/methodology/approachA case study analysis was conducted in two large Portuguese companies where human capital is said to be a critical factor of firm success. The authors used document analysis and interviews to help understand the training phenomenon from a company's point of view. This meant knowing of motivations, training programme curricula, training practices and expected benefits of training.FindingsThe paper identifies and defines two situations concerning a firm's investment in human capital training: one, where no asset (value) is generated; and the other, where the accounting definition of an asset, requiring value generation, is satisfied.Research limitations/implicationsCase studies possess the strength of specific instance detail and interpretation, and the ostensible weakness of interpretation of a small sample. But such research can provide for a reframing of conceptual perspectives. They can stimulate additional efforts to improve accounting and financial reporting.Practical implicationsA guideline system for firm investment in training was developed. This system allows different accounting treatments of a firm's investment in training activity. It proceeds on the basis of perceptions of whether training activity undertaken by a firm generates, or does not generate, value.Originality/valueThis paper provides a much‐needed case‐based empirical analysis of accounting and human capital arguments, and asset recognition arguments. It clarifies the situations in which an asset should be regarded as being generated by training expenditure.

Developing sustainability balanced scorecards for environmental services: A study of three large Portuguese companies

Developing sustainability balanced scorecards for environmental services: A study of three large Portuguese companies

Emoções, inteligência e negociação: um estudo empírico sobre a percepção dos gerentes portugueses

A investigação sobre negociação no contexto empresarial tem-se concentrado nos aspectos processuais e de decisão, ignorando o estudo das características individuais do negociador.Alguma literatura mais recente destaca o impacto decisivo que o perfil da inteligência pode ter nos resultados da negociação. Este trabalho tem como objetivo analisar a importância da Inteligência Cognitiva e da Inteligência Emocional nas negociações em contexto empresarial. Para o efeito, foi realizado um estudo empírico das percepções dos gerentes das 500 maiores empresas portuguesas sobre a importância de algumas características da inteligência e o papel da emoção na negociação. Os resultados revelam que os gerentes atribuem maior importância aos aspectos cognitivos do queaos aspectos emocionais. É igualmente sugerido que o controle das emoções e da sua visibilidade é determinante para o êxito do negociador; mas a sua manipulação é um comportamento reprovável no ambiente negocial. Com esta pesquisa descritiva e exploratória, pretende-se lançar pistas para investigações futuras sobre a importância da emoção e da inteligência nos processos negociais.

Evaluating environmental and social performance of large Portuguese companies: a balanced scorecard approach

AbstractA thematic balanced scorecard format was used to address environmental and social performance evaluation of 13 large companies operating in Portugal. Financial aspects of environmental and social company activities are also included. Companies were categorized as to their actual performance status using a predefined performance framework. Three categories were found: compliance with the law while emphasizing pollution control, pollution prevention and eco‐efficiency. Management tools and procedural matters were found to be most relevant for categorization. Often, reported information did not allow for quantitative evaluation of environmental burden reduction.Use of the thematic balanced scorecard format was useful to better understand the strengths and weaknesses of links between objectives and measurements, initiatives and achievements. Improvement as to environmental performance was found to be paralleled by increased social performance, suggesting that a multi‐level ‘sustainability’ performance categorization of these Portuguese companies is feasible. Driving forces for environmental management initiatives were found to differ by category of performance. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.

The Importance of Communication Skills in Negotiation: An Empirical Study

In an increasingly competitive, dynamic and ambiguous business environment, negotiation is critically important to the success and, ultimately, to the survival of companies. Consequently, managers need to possess and constantly improve their negotiating capabilities. Among the most important traits needed to negotiate successfully are several communication skills. The main objective of our study is to identify and analyze the importance that managers and executives of the 500 largest Portuguese companies attribute to some communication characteristics, necessaries to negotiate effectively and efficiently in uncertain and complex business environments. The 231 answers received demonstrate that the studied communication skills are regarded as requirements of the highest importance in a superior negotiator. However, we find some discrepancies when we cross-analyze the results with demographic characteristics of those surveyed. For example, the most experienced executives and those who have formal negotiation training recognize a greater importance to the ability to listen, while women give a greater emphasis to non-verbal communication (body language, posture, etc.). In addition, the negotiating styles (collaborative vs. competitive) and the ethical behavior in negotiation of those surveyed seem to cause significantly statistical differences concerning the importance they attribute to some of the referred communication traits.