Sustainability Reporting in Emerging Economies : Challenges and Opportunities for Accountants
Keywords:
Sustainability Reporting, Emerging Economies, CSR, ESG, Accounting StandardsAbstract
Sustainability reporting has gained prominence worldwide, but its adoption in emerging economies faces significant barriers due to regulatory, financial, and institutional challenges. This paper examines the current state of sustainability accounting practices in emerging markets, focusing on the alignment of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) disclosures. The study also investigates the role of accountants in promoting transparency and standardization in sustainability reporting. The research highlights key issues such as lack of infrastructure, limited regulatory frameworks, and the need for capacity building in emerging economies.
References
Adams, C. A., & McNicholas, P. (2007). Making a difference: Sustainability reporting, accountability, and organizational change. Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, 20(3), 382–402. https://doi.org/10.1108/09513570710748553
Akin, H., & Yilmaz, H. (2016). Sustainability reporting in emerging economies: A comparison of practices. International Journal of Emerging Markets, 11(2), 191–207. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJoEM-12-2013-0215
Albu, C. N., & Albu, N. (2012). International financial reporting standards in an emerging economy: Lessons from Romania. Australian Accounting Review, 22(4), 341–352. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1835-2561.2012.00172.x
Bebbington, J., Unerman, J., & O'Dwyer, B. (2014). Sustainability accounting and accountability. Routledge.
Belal, A. R., & Owen, D. L. (2007). The views of corporate managers on the current state of, and future prospects for, social reporting in Bangladesh: An engagement-based study. Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, 20(3), 472–494. https://doi.org/10.1108/09513570710748599
de Villiers, C., & Marques, A. (2016). Corporate social responsibility, country-level predispositions, and the consequences of choosing a level of disclosure. Accounting and Business Research, 46(2), 167–195. https://doi.org/10.1080/00014788.2015.1039476
Deloitte. (2021). Sustainability reporting in emerging markets: Enhancing credibility and accountability. Deloitte Global Services. Retrieved from https://www2.deloitte.com/global/en/pages/risk/articles/sustainability-reporting.html
Gray, R., & Milne, M. (2004). Towards reporting on the triple bottom line: Mirages, methods, and myths. In A. Henriques & J. Richardson (Eds.), The triple bottom line, does it all add up? (pp. 70–80). Earthscan.
GRI. (2020). Sustainability disclosure in emerging markets: Key trends and future opportunities. Global Reporting Initiative. Retrieved from https://www.globalreporting.org/sustainability-reporting/emerging-markets/
Hahn, R., & Kühnen, M. (2013). Determinants of sustainability reporting: A review of results, trends, theory, and opportunities in an expanding field of research. Journal of Cleaner Production, 59, 5–21. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2013.07.005
Ioannou, I., & Serafeim, G. (2012). What drives corporate social performance? The role of nation-level institutions. Journal of International Business Studies, 43(9), 834–864. https://doi.org/10.1057/jibs.2012.26
KPMG International. (2020). The time has come: The KPMG survey of sustainability reporting 2020. KPMG International. Retrieved from https://home.kpmg/xx/en/home/insights/2020/11/the-time-has-come-survey-of-sustainability-reporting.html
Larrinaga, C., & Bebbington, J. (2001). Accounting change or institutional appropriation? A case study of the implementation of environmental accounting. Critical Perspectives on Accounting, 12(3), 269–292. https://doi.org/10.1006/cpac.2000.0433
Muttakin, M. B., & Khan, A. (2014). Determinants of corporate social disclosure: Empirical evidence from developing countries. Advances in Accounting, 30(1), 168–175. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adiac.2014.03.005
PWC. (2019). Sustainability in emerging markets: Challenges and opportunities. PricewaterhouseCoopers. Retrieved from https://www.pwc.com/gx/en/sustainability/publications/sustainability-emerging-markets.html