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This study aims to investigate the determinants of sustainability reporting in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the determinants of sustainability reporting in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).
Design/methodology/approach
Twenty unstructured interviews were conducted to understand thoroughly the determinants and motivations of sustainability reporting among Saudi petrochemical shareholding companies.
Findings
This study finds that cultural aspects, compliance with international best practice, competitiveness, reputation and legitimacy are common motivations for sustainability reporting in KSA.
Research limitations/implications
This study has significant implications for industry, especially petrochemical and other highly polluting industries, and for policymakers. There are economic benefits to industry in adopting sustainability reporting, including transparency; and it is suggested that policymakers encourage industries to give more attention to sustainability reporting.
Originality/value
This study provides an original contribution to the extant literature on sustainability reporting, and incrementally adds to knowledge on sustainability reporting in KSA, Gulf cooperation council and Middle East North Africa region countries.
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Keywords
Mohammad Q. Alshhadat and Krayyem Al-Hajaya
The purpose of this paper is to analyse the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on corporate governance and internal control in general. In addition, this paper attempts to develop a…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyse the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on corporate governance and internal control in general. In addition, this paper attempts to develop a new corporate governance model that flexibly addresses conditions like those brought into the business environment by COVID-19.
Design/methodology/approach
Thirteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with chairpersons, CEOs and directors from companies listed on the FTSE 350.
Findings
This study suggests a corporate governance model, which we call Eunomia, which we believe will help businesses to navigate the unusual conditions resulting from COVID-19 and similar types of crises that lead to major disruption for businesses and society. The model includes five pillars that support governance, namely, flexibility, IT infrastructure, risk management, internal control and policies and procedures.
Practical implications
Implications for practice and policymakers. Based on the research outcomes, the authors suggest that the board of directors establishes policies that ensure supply diversity and that businesses do not rely on a single or limited number of suppliers, thereby making themselves vulnerable to supply chain disruption with those suppliers.
Originality/value
This paper presents an original contribution to the accounting literature relating to corporate governance and internal control systems, specifically in terms of how businesses can optimally operate under uncontrollable conditions resulting from pandemics, and similar situations.
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Keywords
Mohammad Alta’any, Ven Tauringana, Alaa Zalata and Laura Obwona Achiro
This paper aims to document international evidence of the impact of a board-level governance bundle [size, independence, CEO duality, gender diversity and sustainability committee…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to document international evidence of the impact of a board-level governance bundle [size, independence, CEO duality, gender diversity and sustainability committee (SC)] on sustainability reporting (SR) and, separately, on its three dimensions (economic, environmental and social).
Design/methodology/approach
The sample includes 370 listed firms from 50 countries. A GRI standards-based disclosure index was constructed to quantify SR across various reporting media.
Findings
The baseline findings show that SC positively affects SR and its three dimensions. Board size also has a significant and positive impact on SR and two of its dimensions (economic and social). Similarly, board independence and CEO duality have a significant but negative association with SR and the same two dimensions. Finally, board gender diversity has no significant impact on SR and all its three dimensions.
Practical implications
The findings that only SC significantly influences SR, and its three dimensions, have important implications for corporate governance reforms internationally to improve SR in countries where such committees are not yet part of the board of directors’ sub-committees.
Originality/value
Overall, this study contributes to board characteristics–SR literature and holds significant theoretical and practical implications.
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