Title: Corporate disclosures by publicly listed companies in Bangladesh

Authors: M. Akhtaruddin; Muhammad Atiqul Islam

Addresses: Institute of Business Administration, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, Bangladesh ' Institute of Business Administration, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, Bangladesh

Abstract: The purpose of the study is to examine the relationship between firm-specific characteristics, corporate governance factors and the extent of corporate disclosures. Using a sample of listed companies in Bangladesh, the study reports that companies in Bangladesh are improving very slowly in their disclosure of information. Although the level of compliance with mandatory disclosure is relatively high in Bangladesh, the level of voluntary disclosure is still relatively low. The size of the company was found to have significant influence on the level of disclosure, consistent with previous studies. No evidence is found to support the contention that independent boards are associated with increased disclosure. However, percentage of independent non-executive members on audit committee is significantly related to the level of disclosure. This suggests that the regulatory bodies should ensure more independent non-executive directors on the audit committee in order to ensure quality financial reporting.

Keywords: corporate disclosure; mandatory disclosure; corporate governance; voluntary disclosure; firm-specific characteristics; audit committee effectiveness; audit committees; Bangladesh; independent members; non-executive members; financial reporting.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBEM.2016.076612

International Journal of Business and Emerging Markets, 2016 Vol.8 No.2, pp.183 - 209

Received: 18 Feb 2015
Accepted: 14 Aug 2015
Published online: 17 May 2016 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article