Accounting and Auditing Studies

Accounting and Auditing Studies

Relationship between Corporate Sustainability Disclosure and Risk

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 Associate Prof., Faculty of Social and Economic Sciences, University of Alzahra, Tehran, Iran
2 Master of Accounting, Al-Zahra University, Tehran, Iran.
10.22034/iaas.2022.156493
Abstract
Objective: Today, in organizational communication, sustainability reporting has gained more momentum. Disclosure of corporate sustainability shows the role and contribution of firms in sustainable development in three main areas such as social sustainability, environmental sustainability and corporate governance. Considering the importance of sustainability reporting in the global economy and risk assessment for strategic and investment decisions, our aim in this study is to explain the relationship between sustainability disclosure and risk in companies listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange. Methods: Data related to 123 companies listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange during the years 2015 to 2019 were examined. To test the hypotheses, the generalized least squares regression method was used. Results: The findings showed that there is a significant relationship between systematic risk and sustainability disclosure. There is no significant relationship between total risk and sustainability disclosure and also between non-systematic risk and sustainability disclosure. Conclusion: Sustainability reporting benefits such as greater understanding of risks and opportunities, emphasis on linking financial and non-financial performance, influencing long-term management strategies and policies and business plans, simplifying processes, reducing costs and improving efficiency, reducing negative environmental, social and corporate governance impacts, improving credibility And brings brand loyalty to companies. The results showed that there is a significant negative relationship between sustainability disclosure and systematic risk. Therefore, disclosing consistency by improving brand transparency and credibility can create a positive image of the company among stakeholders and reduce the company's systematic risk.
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