Analysis of Voluntary Disclosure Before and After the Establishment of the Integrated Reporting Framework

Abstract

Objective - The goal of integrated reporting is to enhance the cohesiveness and efficiency of corporate reporting. It encourages organizations to create greater value by identifying the factors that have a material impact on its operations. The Integrated Reporting (IR) Framework guides the overall content of an integrated report through the Guiding Principles and Content Elements. The Framework has eight elements. This study explores the level of voluntary disclosure of information related to these eight elements by companies listed on the Bursa Malaysia before and after the establishment of the Framework. Methodology/Technique - This study examines the annual reports of 603 Main Market listed companies of Bursa Malaysia between 2012 and 2015. The year 2012 is referred to as the "pre-issuance period" while 2015 is referred to as the "post issuance period". Findings - The findings of the study show that the companies that do disclose more information, do so in relation to three out of the eight elements only. These are: governance, strategy and resource allocation, and outlook. Overall, there is a lack of lineage among the information related to the IR elements presented in the annual reports. Novelty - The findings demonstrate the need for the full adoption of integrated reporting in Malaysia. Type of Paper Empirical Keywords: Content Elements; Integrated Reporting Framework; Listed Companies; Pre and Post Issuance Period; Voluntary Disclosure. JEL Classification: M40, M41, M49.