The effects of CSR disclosure on asymmetric information and RoI of publicly listed companies in SRI-Kehati index in Indonesia

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to investigate the influence of corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure on asymmetric information and return on investment (RoI) in Indonesia. The research specifically assesses the effects of CSR disclosure along with other independent variables such as total assets, return on equity, capital expenditures, net profit margin and sales growth on asymmetric information and RoI. Design/methodology/approach The study applied a panel econometric regression model to examine and test the effects of CSR disclosure and financial indicators on asymmetric information and RoI. A total of 275 samples were garnered from private and state-owned publicly listed companies selected in the SRI-Kehati index as sustainable firms in Indonesia from 2009 to 2019. Those listed companies in the SRI-Kehati index have market recognition and are able to maintain sustainability practices in their business doings. Asymmetric information was calculated by measuring the spread of market share prices. CSR disclosure was measured with global reporting initiative standards. Other variables did not require calculation. Findings This study discerns the significant influence of CSR disclosure on asymmetric information and RoI on the listed firms of the SRI-Kehati Index in Indonesia. To articulate, the more transparent CSR disclosure is, the asymmetric information should be lower. Besides that, more comprehensive CSR disclosure is associated with a better corporate return of investment. In scrutinizing the control variables, this research validates the significant influence of corporate assets and sales revenue on both dependent variables. Research limitations/implications This research has some limitations that require further research. First, the research was conducted in Indonesia. However, other Southeast Asian markets may have their own uniqueness. Therefore, further research is needed in other specific Southeast Asian countries. Second, the sampling bounds on the corporation which gained sustainable recognition in SRI-Kehati Index. Future studies can extend more observation by comparing SRI-Kehati index to firms, which are not listed in the index. Practical implications This study recommends better capital market monitoring and evaluation to improve the quality of the firms’ reports in both business and social aspects. By investing more in philanthropic and social activities, firms can signal the market credibility to their various external stakeholders on their market adjustment to changing external business environment. Social implications As for society, robust CSR disclosures will facilitate investors’ understanding of the conditions before making an investment in public listed companies. At the same time, companies issuing the disclosures are expected by society to perform responsibly, as illuminated in the report. As a result, the CSR disclosures will create a virtuous cycle of sustainability between the company and the society. Originality/value First, this research reinforces the global corporate governance concern to urge more corporate disclosures on firm performance in an Indonesian context. Second, this study fills the research gap on the association of CSR disclosure to asymmetric information in Indonesian literature. Third, the findings underpin the integration of social responsibility on the firms’ core business decision-makings to warrant business credibility to all firms’ stakeholders in Indonesia.