Title: Cohesion and variability in corporate sustainability among Indian firms: a content analysis approach

Authors: Sonia Kalra; Amit Seth; Poonam Rani

Addresses: Department of Commerce, Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies, Faridabad, Haryana, India ' Department of Management, Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies, Faridabad, Haryana, India ' Mittal School of Business, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Jalandhar, Punjab, India

Abstract: The study delves into an unexplored territory of analysing the corporate sustainability disclosure practices of India's top-listed firms, intending to shed light on the stringent and pragmatic aspects of their reporting. By mapping international standards guidelines with Indian reporting guidelines, the study has created a pragmatic and standardised tool for measuring and comparing the sustainability disclosure practices of India's top-listed firms. The finding of the study highlights a unique and stringent reality in the corporate sustainability reporting practices of India's top-listed firms. Despite a consistent style of reporting throughout the year, the data reveals a concerning trend where social dimensions of sustainability are given more attention than the environmental and economic dimensions. Hence, the study aims to not only inform but also empower stakeholders with the necessary information to drive sustainable change in the Indian corporate landscape.

Keywords: corporate sustainability disclosure; content analysis; Global Reporting Initiative; business responsibility report; sustainability report.

DOI: 10.1504/GBER.2024.140910

Global Business and Economics Review, 2024 Vol.31 No.3, pp.369 - 390

Received: 22 Jul 2022
Accepted: 31 Mar 2023
Published online: 03 Sep 2024 *

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