What Drives the Sustainability Reporting Intentions of Firms?

Abstract

Global leaders have adopted sustainable development goals to address critical issues like climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution from both human activities and firms. Over the years, there has been a demand for stricter regulations, accountability, and improved sustainable business practices by stakeholders. In the field of accounting, voluntary disclosure of firms’ sustainability efforts has become an important component of firm reporting architecture. Despite being a voluntary practice in many jurisdictions, sustainability reporting has become essential for firms to demonstrate their commitment to meeting sustainability goals, ensuring future growth, and achieving long-term success. This study examines firms’ sustainability reporting intentions and further investigates the dominant factors that drive such intentions, relying on the extended version of the Theory of Planned Behaviour. Data for the study were gathered from managers of member firms with the Association of Ghana Industries. Using a total of 518 valid responses, the study’s hypotheses were tested employing the partial least square structural equation modelling technique. The results indicate that subjective norm, perceived behavioural control, dynamic capabilities, cultural tightness–looseness, sustainability commitment, and perceived benefit are good predictors of firms’ sustainability reporting intentions. However, the results suggest an inverse relationship exists between attitude, perceived cost, and intention to engage in sustainability reporting. The findings highlight some of the critical factors driving sustainability reporting behaviour among firms.