Level Of Disclosure Research Articles

Assessing the influence of ESG washing on bank reputational exposure: A cross‐country analysis

AbstractThe study investigates the effects of ESG washing on banks' reputational exposure. We define ESG washing as a disparity between a bank's environmental and social disclosure level and the practical implementation of the relative measures. The analysis involves an international sample of 120 banks operating across 35 countries from 2014 to 2020. The results evidence a different effect based on the pillar considered: the higher the inconsistency on environmental issues, the higher a bank's reputational exposure. Conversely, higher levels of disclosure compared to performance on social issues appear to reduce reputational exposure. In addition, citizen movements and the country's legal system play a significant role in amplifying or mitigating a bank's reputational exposure. Our findings offer insight into the phenomenon of ESG washing in the banking industry, supporting the need for more verified information across countries and all economic sectors.

Factors influencing online sustainability disclosure in Spanish universities

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the extent of sustainability disclosure through websites at Spanish universities and analyse the determinants that affect such disclosure. Design/methodology/approach This study uses as methodology a content analysis of the sustainability information disclosed by universities on their official websites in 2022 and a regression of ordinary least squares. Findings Findings emphasise that Spanish universities have moderate levels of online sustainability disclosure, close to 50%, showing prevalent attention to dimensions concerning “organisation profile and governance”, “economic aspects” and “labour practices”, while “curriculum and teaching on sustainability topics” and “environmental” dimensions were less addressed. On the other hand, the findings indicate that public and larger universities are the ones most engaged in the online disclosure of information about sustainability issues. Likewise, universities led by female rectors exert a positive influence on sustainability disclosure on websites. Practical implications The results could be useful for policymakers and regulators to implement and standardise sustainability reporting at higher education institutions, as well as for managers at universities who wish to increase the diffusion of sustainability outreach to satisfy stakeholders’ demands and legitimise their actions in society. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first Spanish approach to identify the explanatory factors for sustainability reporting in Spanish higher education institutions.

Narrative disclosure and earnings quality: what is the nexus? Evidence from emerging countries

PurposeNarrative disclosures offer further elucidation of a company's financial performance beyond what is presented in numerical format. This can assist stakeholders in gaining a deeper comprehension of the elements that impact reported earnings, thereby improving the quality of financial information. The current research explores the impact of narrative disclosure on the earnings quality of firms listed on the Amman Stock Exchange (ASE).Design/methodology/approachAppropriating an index to measure the narrative disclosure level in the research sample firms, the research utilizes an analysis of the textual content of nonfinancial reports and statements issued by the management of the ASE-listed nonfinancial firms between 2013 and 2022. The financial statements issued in the annual financial reports are also adopted to extract data on earnings quality and the controlling variables. The analysis of the data and attainment of the findings necessitate using the panel data.FindingsIt is indicated that narrative disclosure affects earnings quality. To be precise, the greater the narrative disclosure, the lower the absolute value of the voluntary discretionary accruals and thus the higher the quality of accounting earnings.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings contribute to new research on disclosure issues, particularly narrative disclosure, which enhances reader confidence in financial and nonfinancial reports and prevents misleading and manipulated information.Originality/valueThis research helps decision-makers understand the relationship between reports, statements and earnings quality in a firm. It's unique in exploring this relationship, especially in developing countries. The study is the first of its kind in Jordan, known for its economic stability and strategic location in the Middle East, making its findings applicable to similar environments.

"I want to be healthy and move on": A qualitative study of barriers and facilitators to antiretroviral treatment adherence among young adult survivors with perinatal HIV in Thailand.

We know that HIV treatment outcome depends on antiretroviral treatment (ART) adherence. Young adults with perinatal HIV (YPHIV) who survived have endured various adherence challenges in their adolescent years. While some of them could maintain perfect adherence with sustainable virologic suppression, many experienced one or more episodes of virologic failure. We explored factors affecting ART adherence from real-life experiences of YPHIV. A qualitative study was conducted between June and November 2022. Twenty YPHIV aged 21-29 years with a history of virologic failure and resumed virologic suppression during adolescent years were invited to share their experiences through individual in-depth interviews. Audio records were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using deductive thematic analysis. We divided excerpts into two themes: barriers and facilitators to ART adherence. The socio-ecological model was used to frame subthemes at personal, societal, and healthcare system levels. Most barriers to adherence were concentrated at the personal level, including work/study-related conditions, personal entertainment, medication issues, mental health problems, thought, and belief. At the societal level, social activities and fear of HIV disclosure were frequently mentioned as barriers. Medical care cost was the only identified barrier at the healthcare system level. The facilitators to adherence at the personal level included perceiving health deterioration, being afraid of hospitalization and medical procedures, and wishing to be healthy and move on. At the same time, perceived family support and determination to complete family without HIV transmission were identified as facilitators at the societal level. Service behaviors of healthcare providers were mentioned as facilitators to adherence at the healthcare system level. From this study, most factors associated with non-adherence in adolescents were at the personal level, and the fear of HIV disclosure was critical at the societal level. The key facilitator to adherence was the determination to be healthy and have a promising future. Our findings reinforce the importance of establishing youth-friendly services in the existing HIV care setting. More time allocation for tailored individual counseling, using other novel approaches like mHealth, online media, and involvement of social support from different sectors might be beneficial to maximize adherence self-efficacy during the transitional period of YPHIV.

Gender diversity and climate disclosure: a tcfd perspective

AbstractThe paradigm of corporate environmental disclosures aimed at investors developed in 2017 with the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) recommendations. Existing literature on social responsibility disclosures points to gender diversity on the board of directors as an influencing factor. This study aims to assess the influence of gender diversity in climate-related financial disclosures, as recommended by the TCFD based on a sample of 27 companies operating within the sectors of electricity, oil, coal and gas, water, and alternative energy that have announced their adherence to the recommendations from 2017 to 2021. By applying a linear regression model, the results indicate the presence of a positive association between the level of TCFD disclosures and board gender diversity, as well as other factors, such as company size, CEO duality, and general liquidity. However, the influence of board gender diversity on corporate reporting based on the TCFD recommendations suggests that the commitment of boards to the reporting of climate change risks and opportunities is not significantly dependent on gender diversity, as the presence of women in the Boards is favorable for the reporting but without a significant impact on the level of disclosures. This research offers insights into sustainability reporting practices, focusing on a relatively new perspective of reporting climate-related financial topics and their determinants. The findings hold implications for organizational leaders and stakeholders, mainly investors, as these recent sustainable reporting practices are challenging but also bring new opportunities related to transparency towards climate-related issues.

ZAKAT DISCLOSURE INDEX BY ISLAMIC BANKS AND DEVELOPMENT FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS IN MALAYSIA

Paying zakat and disclosing it transparently to stakeholders is one of the ways to demonstrate the Islamic ethical value and accountability of Islamic finance institutions (IFIs). Nevertheless, comprehensive zakat information disclosure practices by Islamic banks (IBs) and Development Financial Institutions (DFIs) have received less attention. Therefore, this study was conducted to develop a comprehensive Zakat Disclosure Index (ZDI) for IBs and DFIs and measure the ZDI level of these institutions. Content analysis was performed through financial statements, annual reports, annual integrated reports and annual sustainability reports for four consecutive financial years from 2016 to 2019. The entire population of 16 IBs and 6 DFIs was selected. The ZDI was developed with two categories based on the liability of paying zakat. The scoring was divided into three groups: (i) mandatory financial information versus voluntary financial information versus mandatory non-financial information versus voluntary non-financial information; (ii) mandatory versus voluntary; and (iii) financial versus non-financial. The result showed that the overall disclosure level was at 60 percent, where mandatory disclosure was at 43 percent and voluntary disclosure was at 17 percent, while for financial and non-financial information, the scores were not much different at 25 percent to 33 percent. The study’s implication lies in establishing astandardised zakat index, enhancing comparability among reporting entities. Furthermore, the study holds importance for regulators as it aids in assessing the sufficiency of existing regulations and guidelines. It can guide regulatory actions to uphold the principles of maqasid shariah in reporting practices.

The Impact of Financial Stability and Audit Firm Affiliation on the Level of Disclosure of Sustainable Green Banking

The Impact of Financial Stability and Audit Firm Affiliation on the Level of Disclosure of Sustainable Green Banking

Disclosure hesitancy and disaster risk: A survey of tailings professionals in the global mining industry

The global mining industry faces multiple, overlapping calls for greater levels of public disclosure about tailings facilities. Tailings professionals are pivotal to the industry’s public disclosure practice because they generate much of the information stakeholders are seeking. We surveyed 183 tailings professionals across the world to explore patterns of local-level information disclosure in mining. Most respondents had limited experience disclosing information publicly or engaging locally. Our findings raise questions about how the industry is engaging with local communities about disaster risk. Unless waste management practices evolve radically in coming decades, the predicted increase in global mining activity will coincide with an exponential increase in mine waste. Given the high-stakes nature of tailings facility failures, questions about public disclosure and disaster risk remain pressing.

Pengaruh Pengungkapan Informasi Keuangan terhadap Keputusan Investasi (Studi Empiris pada Perusahaan yang Terdaftar di Indeks Kompas Periode 2023)

The aims of this study are to gather empirical evidence on the impact of financial information on investment decisions involving abnormal share returns, as well as evidence of the occurrence of abnormal share returns during financial information publication, and to distinguish between abnormal share returns occurring before and after the publication of the financial information by the company. As a sample for this study, there will be 63 companies included in the Compass 100 Index by 2023. A Wilcoxon rating test, a sample t test, and simple regression are used to test three research hypotheses. The findings of this study suggest that investment decisions are not affected by the level of disclosure of corporate financial information. However, this study also shows abnormal stocks. This study shows that abnormal stock returns before and after the publication of financial information by the company are different.

Dashing off a Diagnosis: Diagnostic Reading in Meg Mason’s Sorrow and Bliss

Abstract Sorrow and Bliss (2020) concerns one woman’s experiences of mental illness, from adolescence into adulthood, and the unraveling of her marriage, culminating in receiving the diagnosis of “– –.” This “diagnosis novel” treats the moment of disclosure as transformative, but it is withheld from the reader. In this essay, I argue that this omission creates a certain kind of reading which seeks to unlock the mystery. Ultimately, however, the novel ends without explanation, aside from a paratext explaining that it is no real illness. I argue that the multiple levels of diagnostic disclosure and disillusionment challenge us to reconsider and reassess our assumptions about the power of diagnosis. This essay offers an opportunity to reflect on our complicit impulse to pathologize and categorize individuals.

Human resource disclosure level of Indian companies

Human resource disclosure level of Indian companies

CEO overseas experience and sustainability report disclosure: Evidence from Indonesia

AbstractThis study examines the relationship between chief executive officers' (CEOs) overseas experience and social responsibility (SR) disclosure, as well as how CEOs from reputable universities can moderate this relationship. Using 488 firm‐year observations from firms listed on the Bursa Efek Indonesia (Indonesian Stock Exchange) and data from the Global Reporting Initiative databases from 2010 to 2021, this study finds a significant negative association between foreign‐educated CEOs (CEO overseas experience) and SR disclosure. This study also finds that CEOs from reputable universities can weaken this relationship. The results are robust to endogeneity tests using the coarsened exact match (CEM) and Heckman's two‐stage regressions. Furthermore, overseas experience CEOs have a significantly negative impact on all dimensions of SR disclosure, except for the environmental and product dimensions. Investors may consider CEOs' foreign education as an additional factor in their investment decisions. This study suggests that firms with CEOs with international exposure tend to exhibit lower levels of SR disclosures. This insight can aid investors in evaluating sustainability and ethical performance by aligning their investment portfolios with CSR objectives and preferences.

The role of women in top management in carbon emission disclosure – Evidence from banking entities in ASEAN

Previous empirical research suggests that the characteristics of individuals in the board of directors or peak management teams should be examined. There is a significant gap related to the role of women in the upper level of management and disclosure of carbon emissions. Therefore, this study aims to review the impact of women in top management positions on carbon emission disclosure in the ASEAN banking sector. We analyzed data from 146 banks throughout ASEAN from 2018 to 2022, comprising 719 data of observation. Sample selection employed purposive sampling. Statistical analysis was conducted using Stata MP 17 software, with the fixed effect model identified as the appropriate regression model through Chow, LM, and Hausman tests. Our empirical findings reveal a significant influence of women in upper management, specifically on carbon emission disclosure, as assessed through both Board of Directors (BOD) and audit committee perspectives. These findings have implications for investors and policymakers which support ASEAN countries in achieving net zero pledge, so that sustainability goals related to climate change can be achieved.

Does the mayor’s profile influence intellectual capital disclosure? Empirical evidence from Italian local governments

ABSTRACT This study investigates to what extent certain mayor’s personal traits affect the level of intellectual capital disclosure (ICD) provided by local governments (LGs). To this end, a disclosure index is developed, and a subsequent regression analysis is estimated on a sample of 141 large Italian LGs. The results indicate that Italian LGs led by female and left-wing mayors are more inclined to enhance their online transparency regarding intellectual capital (IC). In contrast, they demonstrate that the mayor’s age and level of education do not affect the level of ICD disseminated by LGs through their websites. This study provides different contributions to existing literature. Firstly, it extends prior IC research by offering contemporary evidence of how Italian LGs deal with IC transparency issues through their websites. Secondly, it contributes to LGs’ transparency literature, deeply delving into the role of the mayor’s characteristics in determining online ICD practices.

What are the key drivers of Fraud reporting in Takaful insurance? Evidence from count data models

Purpose This study aims at investigating the effect of corporate governance attributes on the Fraud disclosure of Takaful insurance companies in Saudi Arabia from 2014 to 2022. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a self-constructed disclosure index to quantify the level of fraud information using content analysis. The count regression (Poisson and negative binomial) models in panel data modeling are used to check the interdependence relationship between the Fraud disclosure and the corporate governance structure of 26 Takaful insurers. Findings The findings confirm the negative effect of ownership structure and the board size on the Fraud disclosure. However, the high proportion of independent board members, the audit board committee and the size of the risk board committee positively affect the extent of Fraud disclosure. Finally, this study provide evidence that large size of Shariah board is associated with a lower level of voluntary Fraud disclosure. Research limitations/implications Both economics-based theories and social exchange theory provide a better basis upon which to understand mechanisms by which board of directors in Takaful insurance provides external stakeholders with valuable information about corporate fraud. Practical implications It seems important to equip audit and Shariah board committee with the tools to give them an operational content that focus systematically on the “tone at the top” in investigating fraud, including disclosure and discipline. Originality/value Corporate governance is rapidly changing in Saudi Arabia and it is unclear whether adopting a corporate governance practices in financial institutions is appropriate for Islamic insurance companies.

Development of an Index for Measuring Islamic Bank CSR Disclosures in Indonesia

Measuring the disclosure of social activities carried out by Islamic banks is very important. However, the results of measuring the disclosure of social activities of Islamic banks in Indonesia still need to be higher when measured by the current CSR disclosure measurement index. The CSR disclosure measurement index often used in related research comes from research results in various countries in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. This is one of the considerations that causes the level of CSR disclosure of Islamic banks in Indonesia to be relatively low. Studies on developing an index for measuring CSR disclosure of Islamic banks in Indonesia are based on Sharia enterprise theory (SET). Based on the results of literacy studies of related research conducted in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Indonesia, several assessment dimension criteria need to be developed, including those related to the obligation of Islamic banks to report their social activities from the start of their establishment, environmental awareness education for employees, use of environmentally friendly materials. to support operational activities and collaboration with social communities in order to achieve acceleration and equal distribution of community welfare.

Stay Vigilant in Peace Time? Antitakeover Provisions and Corporate Social Responsibility

We examine how antitakeover provisions (ATPs) impact corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure for Chinese listed firms. The empirical results show that the level of CSR disclosure is positively related to the level of ATPs, and this relationship is primarily observed in State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs). Further evidence indicates that this association is most prevalent in observations with lower efficiency or higher legitimacy pressures. Our paper provides new evidence on the mixed motivations for CSR disclosure in Chinese firms and offers insights into the moderating effects of ATPs in the context of weak corporate governance.

Role of investor attention and executive green awareness on environmental information disclosure of Chinese high-tech listed companies

Against the backdrop of growing public concern about environmental disclosure, and despite this concern, the level of environmental disclosure by high-tech firms remains low, necessitating a heightened emphasis on corporate environmental disclosure. This study delves into the impact of investor attention on the environmental information disclosure of Chinese high-tech firms, analyzing data from 463 firms between 2011 and 2022. Utilizing dynamic panel GMM, our findings highlight a significant negative correlation between investor attention and environmental information disclosure. We also introduced executive green awareness, exploring their moderating role. The results show that improved executive green awareness mitigates the adverse impact of investor attention on environmental information disclosure. However, heterogeneity analysis revealed that this moderating effect does not exist in IT service and non-polluting high-tech enterprises. This research offers policy implications for enhancing transparency and environmental governance through targeted investor engagement and executive training programs. The findings underscore the importance of a comprehensive regulatory framework tailored to sector-specific challenges in high-tech industry.

CORRELATION BETWEEN SOLVENCY OF SERBIAN AGRICULTURAL SECTOR AND INVESTMENTS IN ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Whether investment in environmental protection is conditioned by the solvency of agricultural companies, due to the growing importance of environmental sustainability, is the topic of this paper. The goal of the research is to determine, on a sample of 40 agricultural companies, whether investment in environmental protection is conditioned by solvency in a three-year period. Solvency, which is relatively good in the sampled companies, is not correlated with investment in the environment, in the analyzed time period, based on the quantification of descriptive data from the annual report. The level of disclosure of the environmental dimension of the sustainability of agricultural companies in Serbia is at a very poor level and the ESG reporting concept is necessary. The research indicates non-compliance with the legal obligation of non-financial reporting on environmental protection of agricultural companies, which indicates that educational, legal and regulatory measures must be urgently taken in order to make the reporting as representative as possible.

DETERMINAN YANG MEMPENGARUHI OPINI AUDIT ATAS LAPORAN KEUANGAN PEMERINTAH DAERAH KABUPATEN/KOTA DI SUMATERA UTARA

This research aims to analyze the determinants that influence audit opinions on district/city government financial reports in North Sumatra in the form of the level of disclosure and audit findings on regional government financial reports. The number of samples used in this research was 33 Regency/City LKPD in North Sumatra province period 2019-2021. This research was processed using SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Science) software version 26. The focus of the research is partial and simultaneous in the multiple linear regression research model. The results of this research show that partially the level of disclosure has no effect on audit opinion and audit findings have no effect on audit opinion, but simultaneously the level of disclosure and audit findings have an effect on audit opinion.