Examining the amount of mandatory non-financial information disclosed by Spanish state-owned enterprises and its potential influential variables

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to examine the extent of mandatory non-financial information disclosed by Spanish state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and barriers to and/or drivers of such disclosures. Design/methodology/approach To accomplish this task, three data sources were used. To study the extent of non-financial information disclosed and the influence exerted by some variables of such disclosures, the authors performed a content analysis of website disclosures of all Spanish SOEs identified by the General Intervention Board of the State Administration. Likewise, reports published by such companies on their web pages were also examined. To investigate the barriers to the disclosure of non-financial information by Spanish SOEs, the data were collected through interviews with key personnel. Findings Results showed that the disclosure of mandatory non-financial information by Spanish SOEs is lagging behind when compared to private companies. The key personnel revealed different reasons for the low level of disclosures such as the lack of an accountability awareness in Spain. The institutional size was the variable that most significantly affects the disclosure of mandatory non-financial information by Spanish SOEs. Originality/value The main contribution of this research was to examine the influence of some variables on the amount of mandatory non-financial information disclosed by Spanish SOEs. Previous studies have been focused on exploring the level of non-financial information disclosed voluntarily by these companies.