Acceso usuarios
Santiago de Compostela, España
Objective: This study examines how the largest Portuguese companies integrate information on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in their non-financial reports, and analyses some potential drivers of SDG reporting (SDGR).
Methodology: Standalone non-financial reports were collected from 2016 to 2022, resulting in a total of 161 reports from 41 companies. Through content analysis, a disclosure index was developed to assess the level of SDGR.
Results: There is an upward trend in SDGR among Portuguese companies, albeit at a slow and modest pace. On average, they report on half of the 17 SDGs. We find that listing, industry, adoption of the GRI framework and external assurance by a Big Four firm are the driving factors for SDG disclosure. Conversely, firm size, ISO certification, a sustainability committee and extended reporting have no impact on the disclosure of SDG information by Portuguese companies.
Limitations: Our study has two main limitations: the small sample size and the fact that the SDG Disclosure Index only measures whether information on the SDGs is disclosed, without assessing its content, scope, or quality.
Practical implications: Businesses seeking to improve their SDG disclosure should consider adopting the GRI framework or seeking assurance from a Big Four firm. Regulators can use our findings when designing policies aimed at promoting SDG reporting.
