Corporate Online Reporting and Their Determinants in Indian Services Sector

Abstract

The study examines the status of corporate online reporting in the Indian services sector. It also explores the pattern and determinants affecting corporate online reporting. The paper uses content analysis for investigating the level and extent of corporate online reporting. A corporate online reporting index has been developed for the study, dividing the frame into three major headings namely, general, financial and presentation indexes. OLS regression is used for checking the determinants affecting corporate online disclosure. The study yields three major findings. First, results reveal that corporate online reporting measured by the three different indexes has a significant relationship with the size of the hotel. Second, there is negative and significant association between certain key determinants such as productivity, shareholders profitability and liquidity of the companies. Finally, other determinants such as profitability, leverage and growth are not significantly associated with corporate online reporting of the Indian service sector firms. The paper is built around the concept of transparency and reporting on the web that may facilitate the investors and stakeholders. The result is a novel approach to discuss corporate online reporting and transparency that contributes to other critical voices concerned about the value and effects of corporate online reporting.