The Quality of Corporate Environmental Reporting (CER): Theory and Practice

摘要: Due to the fact that corporate environmental reporting (CER) is largely voluntary and unregulated, practice has evolved in absence of a meaningful conceptual framework. This lack normative theory stating what should be content CER as well methods for measuring reported information being volumetric or based, advanced major limitation existing literature. In this study, wellestablished frameworks financial are adapted basis framework which four characteristics indicate its quality. Empirical measurement such also from The main aim research use examine extent variation quality then test applicability key motivational theories. empirical work involves panel US UK firms over two-year period. allows cross-sectional comparison made between different accounting regimes (rules- vs. principles-based) permits examination development time. Further, extended investigate interrelationship performance firm. Evidence support legitimacy institutional explanations disclosure motivations comprehensively found through measures qualitative identified. That is, novel based on here enables more robust understanding behaviours than previous work. Moreover, evidence owing differences thus, it reasonable assert culture reporting, some extent, informs nature non-financial reporting. However, perhaps short time frame investigation, rewards environmentally effective providing not found. findings will interest preparers users reports policymakers, particularly terms enabling them assess level fit with their expectations. they shed light link performance, manifested carbon emissions, reported.