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This study focuses on the relationship between earnings management and materiality disclosure quality in integrated reporting (IRQ) in an international setting. Moreover, board gender diversity as a moderator variable will be included. A cross-country sample consisting of 696 firm-year observations between 2014 and 2019 is included in this empirical-quantitative study. Correlation and regression analyses are conducted in order to focus on the impact of both accruals-based earnings management (AEM) and real earnings management (REM) on IRQ and the moderating impact of board gender diversity (Blau index). Both AEM and REM are negatively related to IRQ and board gender diversity weakens this relationship. A bidirectional link between earnings management and IRQ is not stated. While prior research did not find significant impacts of accruals attributes on IRQ, our analysis makes a key contribution as the link between AEM, REM, and IRQ is both analysed and stated for the first time. Corporate practice, regulators and researchers should be aware of the notion that earnings quality and integrated reporting quality have many interdependencies and should be discussed together

This study examines the influence of sustainable corporate governance on the materiality disclosure quality (MDQ) in integrated reporting in an international setting. Referring to stakeholder theory, we focus on gender diversity, sustainability committees, and sustainability-related executive compensation. Based on European and South African firms (672 firm-year observations) between 2014 and 2019, we found that board gender diversity and sustainability-related executive compensation were significantly positively linked to MDQ. However, the implementation of sustainability committees does not affect the MDQ. Thus, only specific sustainable corporate governance variables in concrete contexts may be related to integrated reporting decisions. We also included Chief Executive Officer (CEO) power (pay slice, ownership, and tenure) as a moderator variable due to the strategic impact of CEOs, based on upper echelons theory, and found that the link between our included sustainable corporate governance variables and MDQ was weakened. Our results are robust to several variations and provide valuable insights for research, business practice and future regulations on integrated reporting. In view of massive regulatory reform initiatives on sustainable corporate governance and integrated reporting, sustainability expertise (also with regard to CEOs) should be better addressed in boards of directors during the next years to come.

In this article, we review recent archival research (66 studies) on the influence of institutional ownership (IO) heterogeneity on corporate sustainability. Relying on an agency-theoretical framework, we differentiate between various types of IO and their nature. We found that most prior research concentrates on the impact of IO heterogeneity on corporate sustainability performance. Long-term, sustainable, and foreign IO leads to better ESG/CSR outputs. Based on the business case argument for corporate sustainability, long-term institutional investors moderate the positive link between corporate sustainability and future financial performance. We provide useful recommendations for future research by focusing on endogeneity concerns as methodological challenges and content-related proposals for future research designs.

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the relationship among chief sustainability officer (CSO) expertise, sustainability-related executive compensation (SEC) and biodiversity disclosure (BD).Design/methodology/approachBased on legitimacy and upper echelons theory, this study uses both random-effects and logit regressions and looks at the 2014–2019 financial years of companies listed on the STOXX Europe 600 (1,992 firm-year observations).FindingsThe findings of this study are in line with prior research on sustainable corporate governance and indicate that CSO sustainability expertise significantly increases BD and that SEC strengthens this relationship as a moderating variable. The results of this study are robust to a battery of sensitivity analyses.Originality/valueThis study makes a major contribution to prior analyses, as this appears to be the first on the link among CSO expertise, SEC and BD, as per the author’s knowledge. This study has major implications for business practice, regulators and research. Purpose – The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship among chief sustainability officer (CSO) expertise, sustainability-related executive compensation (SEC) and biodiversity disclosure (BD).Design/methodology/approach – Based on legitimacy and upper echelons theory, this study uses both random-effects and logit regressions and looks at the 2014–2019 financial years of companies listed on the STOXX Europe 600 (1,992 firm-year observations).Findings – The findings of this study are in line with prior research on sustainable corporate governance and indicate that CSO sustainability expertise significantly increases BD and that SEC strengthens this relationship as a moderating variable. The results of this study are robust to a battery of sensitivity analyses.Originality/value – This study makes a major contribution to prior analyses, as this appears to be the first on the link among CSO expertise, SEC and BD, as per the author’s knowledge. This study has major implications for business practice, regulators and research.

Purpose This paper aims to review 68 archival studies on the impact of audit committees (ACs) on firms’ consequences [(non)financial reporting, performance and audit quality] in European firms. Design/methodology/approach Applying a stakeholder agency-theoretical framework, the author differentiates between three categories of AC variables: presence; composition; and resources, incentives and diligence. Findings The author finds that AC composition, (non)financial reporting and audit quality are dominant in the literature review. Other inputs or outputs are either too low in amount or yielded heterogeneous results, hindering clear tendencies. However, there are indications that financial expertise is positively related to financial reporting and audit quality, in line with agency theory and European regulatory assumptions. Research limitations/implications In the discussion of potential future research, the author emphasizes, among others, the need for the recognition of innovative and sustainable AC variables, inclusion of moderator and especially mediator variables and reaction to endogeneity concerns by advanced regression models. Practical implications As the European Commission currently discusses extended regulations on AC duties and composition, this literature review highlights the huge impact of financial expertise on financial reporting and audit quality. In view of the increased monitoring duties of sustainability reporting, both business practices and regulatory bodies should increase the sustainability expertise of ACs. Originality/value This analysis makes useful contributions to prior research by focusing on attributes of AC and their impact on firms’ outputs in the European capital market, based on a differentiation between mandatory one-tier/two-tier systems and the choice model. The findings support the promotion of European evidence-based regulations, such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive.

In this article, we review recent archival research articles (98 studies) on the impact of corporate governance on restatements, enforcement activities and fraud as corporate financial misconduct. Applying an agency-theoretical view, we mainly differentiate between four levels of corporate governance (group, individual, firm, and institutional level). We find that financial restatements on the one hand and the group and individual level of corporate governance on the other hand are dominant in our literature review. Enforcement actions and fraud events as misconduct proxies, and the firm and institutional level of corporate governance are of lower relevance yet. The following review highlights that many studies on corporate governance find inconclusive results on firms’ financial misconduct. But there are indications that board expertise and especially gender diversity in the top management decreases firms’ financial misconduct. We know very little about the impact of non-shareholder stakeholders’ monitoring role on misconduct yet. In discussing potential future research, we emphasize the need for a more detailed analysis of misconduct proxies, recognition of moderator and especially mediator variables, especially in the interplay of the board of directors and external auditors.

In line with the business case argument for corporate social responsibility (CSR), CSR performance and reporting should lead to positive firms’ financial outputs. As CSR issues may be linked with greenwashing behavior and self-impression management, effective corporate governance as a monitoring tool should increase CSR reporting and performance. While empirical-quantitative research on CSR extremely increased since the last decade, endogeneity concerns impair the validity of research results. This paper focuses on one of the most important techniques to include endogeneity concerns: the generalized method of moments (GMM) as dynamic panel regression. This paper summarizes the results of archival research on corporate governance determinants and firms’ financial consequences of CSR performance and reporting. The increased importance of managing and reporting on CSR issues represents the key motivation to conduct a systematic literature review. By including 131 quantitative peer-reviewed empirical studies in this field, in line with legitimacy and stakeholder theory, there are indications that 1) gender diversity positively influences CSR performance, and 2) CSR performance increases both accounting- and market-based financial performance (ROA and Tobin’s Q). A research agenda with detailed research recommendations are provided for future studies

Purpose: This paper aims to analyze the impact that sustainable board governance has on corporate social responsibility (CSR) on the European capital market because of the current debate of future European regulations on the topic. Design/methodology/approach: Based on a legitimacy and stakeholder theoretical framework, the author conducts a structured literature review and includes 86 quantitative peer-reviewed empirical (archival) studies on board gender diversity, sustainability board expertise and sustainability-related executive compensation and their impact on CSR variables. Findings: Gender board diversity represents the most important variable in this literature review. The included categories of sustainable board governance positively influence both the total CSR and environmental outputs. Research limitations/implications: A detailed analysis of sustainable board governance proxies is needed in future archival research to differentiate between symbolic and substantive use of CSR. In view of the current European reform initiatives on sustainable corporate governance in line with the EU Green Deal project, future research should also analyze the interactions between the included sustainable board governance variables and their contributions to CSR. Practical implications: As both stakeholder demands’ on CSR outputs and CSR washing have increased since the financial crisis of 2008–2009, firms should be aware of a substantive integration of sustainability within their boards of directors (e.g. because of composition and compensation) to increase their CSR efforts and long-term firm reputation. Originality/value: This analysis makes useful contributions to prior research by focusing on sustainable board governance as a key determinant of CSR outputs on the European capital market. The European Commission’s future evidence-based regulations [e.g. the corporate sustainability reporting directive (CSRD) and the corporate sustainability due diligence directive (CSDD)] should be promoted. Purpose: This paper aims to analyze the impact that sustainable board governance has on corporate social responsibility (CSR) on the European capital market due to the current debate of future European regulations on the topic. Design/methodology/approach: Based on a legitimacy and stakeholder theoretical framework, the author conducts a structured literature review and includes 86 quantitative peer-reviewed empirical (archival) studies on board gender diversity, sustainability board expertise and sustainability-related executive compensation and their impact on CSR variables.Findings: Gender board diversity represents the most important variable in this literature review. The included categories of sustainable board governance positively influence both the total CSR and environmental outputs.Research limitations/implications: A detailed analysis of sustainable board governance proxies is needed in future archival research in order to differentiate between symbolic and substantive use of CSR. In view of the current European reform initiatives on sustainable corporate governance in line with the EU Green Deal project, future research should also analyze the interactions between the included sustainable board governance variables and their contributions to CSR. Practical implications: As both stakeholder demands’ on CSR outputs and CSR washing have increased since the financial crisis of 2008-09, firms should be aware of a substantive integration of sustainability within their boards of directors (e.g., due to composition and compensation) in order to increase their CSR efforts and long-term firm reputation. Originality/value: This analysis makes useful contributions to prior research by focussing on sustainable board governance as a key determinant of CSR outputs on the European capital market. The European Commission’s future evidence-based regulations (e.g., the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDD)) should be promoted.

In light of current climate change discussions, this paper analyzes the effect of ownership structure on a firm’s environmental performance with a subsequent focus on corporate emission reduction. Based on a cross-national European sample consisting of 7384 firm-year observations between 2008 and 2017, this study explores the relationship between sustainable institutional investors and environmental performance. In line with prior research and embedded in an agency theoretical framework, the nature of institutional investors may act as a stimulating driver towards green business practices. Sustainable institutional investors are defined based on their signatory status to the UN Principles for Responsible Investment and their (long-term) investment horizons. The first classification stems from a content-driven sustainability perspective, while the second is derived from temporal sustainability. The results indicate that sustainable institutional ownership is positively associated with a firm’s environmental performance. Further investigations reveal that sustainable institutional investor ownership is also positively associated with firms’ willingness to respond to the Carbon Disclosure Project. These results indicate a higher carbon-risk awareness in firms with greater sustainable institutional investor ownership. Our paper significantly contributes to prior empirical research on institutional ownership and environmental performance and offers useful theoretical and practical implications. It focusses on a still-underdeveloped research area, namely organizations and their relationships with the natural environment, including institutional equity ownership as a driver towards greener practices on a corporate level.

Integrated reporting (IR) represents an innovative approach to business reporting especially by Public Interest Entities (PIEs). In addition to financial capital, the integrated report includes material information about manufactured, intellectual, human, social and relational, and natural capitals. Although there has been a steady growth in empirical IR research, there is—as yet—no literature review on the business case for IR. Thus, the purpose of this study is to convey a detailed understanding of the governance-, (non) financial performance-, and reporting-related determinants of IR and its contribution to firm value in line with the business case argument. To do so, we selected 85 quantitative peer-reviewed archival studies on that topic. We have then differentiated said studies between those that focus on IR adoption versus those that focus on IR quality, with a legitimacy- and stakeholder-theory-based framework. This differentiation is crucial, to stress the challenges of greenwashing policies and information overload. Here, in contrast to former literature reviews on IR, we provide new insights into this emerging research topic and concentrate on archival IR research. We are also interested in recent moderator- and mediator analysis in archival IR research since the business case argument for IR may require a specific environment, in addition to the main variables we have included. We likewise give a detailed overview of included variables and proxies and compare their main statistical effects. Our literature review demonstrates that (1) board composition and (2) stakeholder pressure positively influence IR quality; whereas (3) (non) financial performance leads to increased IR adoption and quality. We also find that both IR adoption and IR quality are linked with positive consequences on firm valuation, as they lead to higher total performance measures. Last but not least, this analysis includes useful recommendations for future IR research.

This structured literature review of 48 archival-based studies investigates the influence of fair value measurements on earnings quality and stresses the moderating impact of corporate governance. We focus on accounting-based earnings quality measures that have several advantages for investigating agency-related earnings management behavior compared to market-based measures (e.g. value relevance studies). Fair value measurements are not restricted to specific industries, periods, circumstances, or items in our sample. Based on the applied earnings quality measure, the reviewed articles are structured into five categories: (1) earnings persistence and predictive ability, (2) discretionary accruals, (3) target beating and properties of analysts’ forecasts, (4) earnings variability, and (5) other earnings quality measures. We indicate three key findings: first, fair value measurements show mixed earnings quality; second, lower-level fair value measurements decrease earnings quality; and third, corporate governance measures enhance earnings quality. After that, we deduce six research questions for future research. We show possible extensions to previous research designs in methodology and settings. Future research should also focus on corporate governance variables to a greater extent, especially compensation and board structures. Thereby, we suggest extending the neoclassical view with behavioral aspects. This structured literature review of 48 archival-based studies investigates the influence of fair value measurements on earnings quality and stresses the moderating impact of corporate governance. We focus on accounting-based earnings quality measures that have several advantages for investigating agency-related earnings management behavior compared to market-based measures (e.g. value relevance studies). Fair value measurements are not restricted to specific industries, periods, circumstances, or items in our sample. Based on the applied earnings quality measure, the reviewed articles are structured into five categories: 1) earnings persistence and predictive ability, 2) discretionary accruals, 3) target beating and properties of analysts’ forecasts, 4) earnings variability, and 5) other earnings quality measures. We indicate three key findings: First, fair value measurements show mixed earnings quality; second, lower-level fair value measurements decrease earnings quality; and third, corporate governance measures enhance earnings quality. After that, we deduce 6 research questions for future research. We show possible extensions to previous research designs in methodology and settings. Future research should also focus on corporate governance variables to a greater extent, especially compensation and board structures. Thereby, we suggest extending the neoclassical view with behavioral aspects.

This article is a literature review that covers quantitative empirical research on the association between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and corporate tax avoidance. We conduct a structured literature review and evaluate the empirical-quantitative results with regard to the CSR–tax avoidance link and vice versa. The association between CSR and tax avoidance is both theoretically and empirically ambiguous. However, the majority of studies finds a negative association between CSR and tax avoidance. Nevertheless, results are highly dependent on measurement of the respective constructs and other marginal conditions. Comparability of recent research on the issue is in particular limited due to heterogeneous CSR and tax avoidance metrics and due to a potentially bidirectional relationship. Results imply that there is not necessarily a stable association between CSR performance, as measured by CSR scores or ratings, CSR reporting, and a firm‟s tax practices. Thus, socially responsible investors have to make a decision about whether they are prepared to invest in firms that have high CSR scores and strong CSR performance while aggressively avoiding taxes. Investors who perceive tax payments as part of a firm‟s responsibility towards society, have to select their investments with great care, as CSR scores and CSR reporting are of only limited informative value with regard to tax avoidance. This article is a literature review that covers quantitative empirical research on the association between corporate social responsibility and corporate tax avoidance. We conduct a structured literature review and evaluate the empirical-quantitative results with regard to the CSR-tax avoidance link and vice versa. The association between CSR and tax avoidance is both theoretically and empirically ambiguous. However, the majority of studies finds a negative association between CSR and tax avoidance. Nevertheless, results are highly dependent on measurement of the respective constructs and on other marginal conditions. Comparability of recent research on the issue is in particular limited due to heterogeneous CSR and tax avoidance metrics and due to a potentially bidirectional relationship. Results imply that there is not necessarily a stable association between CSR performance, as measured by CSR scores or ratings, CSR reporting and a firm’s tax practices. Thus, socially responsible investors have to make a decision whether they are prepared to invest in firms that have high CSR scores and strong CSR performance while aggressively avoiding taxes. Investors who perceive tax payments as part of a firm’s responsibility towards society, have to select their investments with great care, as CSR scores and CSR reporting are of only limited informative value with regard to tax avoidance.

PurposeThis paper aims to analyze the governance-related and financial determinants and consequences of corporate social responsibility assurance (CSRA).Design/methodology/approachBased on a legitimacy theoretical framework and on the business case argument, the author conducts a structured literature review and includes 66 quantitative peer-reviewed empirical (archival) studies on key CSRA proxies (CSRA adoption, choice of CSR assuror and CSRA quality).FindingsIn line with the business case for CSRA, the literature review indicates that internal corporate governance, country-related governance and specific financial determinants as reporting, firm size and industry (sensitivity) have a positive impact on CSRA adoption.Research limitations/implicationsA detailed analysis of CSRA proxies is needed in future archival research to differentiate between symbolic and substantive use of CSRA. In view of the current regulatory initiatives on CSR reporting and their decision usefulness, future research should also analyze in greater depth CSRA proxies as moderator and mediator variables.Practical implicationsWith regard to the increased stakeholder demand on CSRA after the financial crisis of 2008–2009, firms should be aware of the value-added of CSRA to increase the decision usefulness of their CSR reports and firm reputation.Originality/valueThe analysis makes useful contributions to prior literature by focussing on empirical quantitative (archival) research method, structuring research on the business case for CSRA with respect to its governance and financial determinants and consequences for firms and stressing moderator analysis in archival CSRA research. Purpose - This paper analyses the governance-related and financial determinants and consequences of Corporate Social Responsibility Assurance (CSRA). Design/methodology/approach – Based on a legitimacy theoretical framework and on the business case argument, the authors conduct a structured literature review and include 66 quantitative peer-reviewed empirical (archival) studies on key CSRA proxies (CSRA adoption, choice of CSR assuror and CSRA quality).Findings – In line with the business case for CSRA, the literature review indicates that 1) internal corporate governance, 2) country-related governance, and specific financial determinants as 3) reporting, 4) firm size and 5) industry (sensitivity) have a positive impact on CSRA adoption.Research limitations/applications – A detailed analysis of CSRA proxies is needed in future archival research in order to differentiate between symbolic and substantive use of CSRA. In view of the current regulatory initiatives on CSR reporting and their decision usefulness, future research should also analyse in greater depth CSRA proxies as moderator and mediator variables.Practical implications - With regard to the increased stakeholder demand on CSRA since the financial crisis of 2008-09, firms should be aware of the value added of CSRA in order to increase the decision usefulness of their CSR reports and firm reputation.Originality/value – The analysis makes useful contributions to prior literature by focusing on empirical quantitative (archival) research method, structuring research on the business case for CSRA with respect to its governance and financial determinants and consequences for firms, and stressing moderator analysis in archival CSRA research.

A systematic literature review includes 69 archival studies on the impact of external auditors on firms’ financial restatements, based on principal agent theory. In more detail, we separate between auditor incentives and auditor competencies to supply a high audit quality. Financial restatements represent one of the most important proxies of audit quality in archival audit research, stressing an increased relevance in empirical research, business practice and regulatory initiatives. The review highlights that many studies on auditor incentives and competencies show inconclusive results on firms’ financial restatements (e.g., fee and rotation studies). But there are indications that especially auditor expertise and audit firm size significantly decrease financial restatements. In discussing potential future research, we emphasize the need for a more detailed analysis of restatements proxies, controls for audit risk, inclusion of (corporate) governance mechanisms as possible moderators or mediators, and sustainability issues of the audit team.

Using an experimental design, this explorative study provides unique empirical evidence of the effects of an integrated reporting assurance (IRA) on nonprofessional investors’ (NPIs) financial decision-making in a laboratory experiment. For this purpose, two independent experiments were carried out, one relying on a sample of Master’s students, and one focusing on managers of large corporations. In line with our agency theoretical reasoning, we find that students value an IRA positively, evidenced through significantly higher investments, while, contrary to expectations, an IRA has the opposite effect for managers. The results reveal that, dependent on the empirical model, an IRA has either no, or even an investment-decreasing, impact on executives. In order to assess the sense-making process underlying this conundrum, subsequent interviews with the managers were carried out which revealed three dimensions that shape practitioners’ critical attitudes towards assurance engagements. First, managers expressed a general disbelief in the decision usefulness of integrated reporting (IR) to (nonprofessional) investors. Second, interlocutors referred to negative practical experiences with audit and assurance engagements and had technical doubts specific to IRA. Third, managers voiced emotional caveats regarding the audit and assurance profession. These findings indicate a prevailing divergence between the extolled theoretical contribution of an IRA to report credibility and its actual nature in practice. In the further course of the investigation, we also find that the assurance provider (Big 4 auditor versus specialized consultant) does not affect investment decisions, but that a higher assurance level leverages investments among students. The results of this study add to the growing, albeit still small, IRA research body and deliver valuable insights for research, regulators, and practice.

Die kapitalmarktorientierte Unternehmensberichterstattung wird spätestens seit der Finanzkrise 2008/09 zunehmend durch nichtfinanzielle Aspekte (Corporate Governance und Nachhaltigkeit) geprägt, welche die traditionelle Finanzberichterstattung ergänzen. Die Nachhaltigkeitsberichterstattung wurde in den vergangenen Jahren häufig aufgrund des Risikos einer Informationsüberflutung und des Greenwashings kritisiert. Als Reaktion hierauf hatte das International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC) Ende 2013 ein Rahmenkonzept für eine integrierte Berichterstattung veröffentlicht. Der vorliegende Beitrag richtet sich an die wechselseitige Beziehung zwischen dem Controlling und dem Integrated Reporting. Neben konzeptionellen Überlegungen wird eine Bestandsaufnahme der bisherigen empirischen Forschung gegeben. Hierbei zeigt sich, dass das Controlling bislang nur nachrangig Gegenstand von empirischen Untersuchungen ist, wenngleich es in der Unternehmenspraxis den zentralen Beitrag zur Sicherstellung einer entscheidungsnützlichen integrierten Berichterstattung leisten muss.

Mit der am 27. Juni 2022 im Bundesanzeiger veröffentlichten Fassung des Deutschen Corporate Governance Kodex (DCGK) hat sich die Regierungskommission der Thematik der Nachhaltigkeit angenommen und eine Integration von ökologischer und sozialer Nachhaltigkeit in die Corporate Governance bei börsennotierten Aktiengesellschaften vorgenommen. Der nachfolgende Beitrag untersucht diese Änderungen.

Als Reaktion auf den Skandal beim ehemaligen DAX-Konzern Wirecard hat der deutsche Gesetzgeber das Finanzmarktintegritätsstärkungsgesetz (FISG) verabschiedet. Das FISG beinhaltet primär Novellierungen im Bereich der Corporate Governance bei Unternehmen des öffentlichen Interesses, wobei schwerpunktmäßig das Enforcement und die Abschlussprüfung betroffen sind. Nachrangiger fallen die Neuerungen beim Vorstand und Aufsichtsrat aus.

Die Unternehmensberichterstattung entwickelt sich äußerst dynamisch weiter. Gerade nichtfinanzielle Berichterstattungselemente wenden sich an einen immer breiteren Stakeholderkreis. Welche Berichtpflichten von welchen Unternehmen in welchen Formaten für welche Adressaten offenzulegen sind, nehmen 30 Experten in diesem Handbuch systematisch in den Blick. Teil 1 zeigt für die verschiedenen Berichtselemente neben Berichtsinhalten, Anwenderkreisen, Zielsetzungen, Gestaltungsmöglichkeiten und prüfungsrechtlichen Anforderungen auch neue Kommunikationswege auf. Teil 2 beleuchtet die Sicht der unterschiedlichen Stakeholdergruppen. Erfahrene Repräsentanten verdeutlichen die sich ändernden Erwartungen der Standardsetter, Unternehmen verschiedener Größe, Abschlussprüfer, Investoren, Arbeitnehmervertreter und NGOs.

This paper provides insight whether Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and earnings management are connected. Based on agency- and stewardship theory the author conducts a literature review and evaluates the empirical results with regard to the CSR-earnings management and the earnings management-CSR link. In this context, CSR reporting and CSR performance are focused as CSR measures. The results of the 33 studies indicate that the majority of the research relies on the CSR-earnings management link, on the US-American capital market and on CSR performance measures. Most of these studies indicate that CSR relates to decreased earnings management in line with stewardship theory. However, also other results exist on the CSR-earnings management link. Research on the earnings management-CSR relationship is of low validity so far in view of the low amount. Comparability of recent research on that topic is in particular limited in view of the heterogeneous CSR and earnings management variables and the endogeneity concerns. Future research is encouraged to address endogeneity tests, include country-specific effects and increase the validity of CSR and earnings management variables. As CSR performance and reporting can have a major impact on earnings quality, the author recommends firms to search for opportunities to make their CSR activities more comprehensive by expanding their CSR reporting and thus providing deeper insights on their CSR performance in line with stakeholders’ interests. The paper is the first literature review on the CSR-earnings management and earnings management-CSR relationship so far. The author explains the main CSR and earnings management variables that have been included in prior empirical research, stresses the limitations of the studies and gives useful recommendations for future research, practice and regulators. This paper provides insight to whether Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and earnings management are connected. Based on the agency- and stewardship theory the author conducts a literature review and evaluates the empirical results with regard to the CSR-earnings management and the earnings management-CSR link. In this context, CSR reporting and CSR performance are focused as CSR measures. The results of the 33 studies indicate that the majority of the research relies on the CSR-earnings management link, on the US-American capital market and on CSR performance measures. Most of these studies indicate that CSR relates to decreased earnings management in line with the stewardship theory. However, also other results exist on the CSR earnings management link. Research on the earnings management-CSR relationship is of low validity so far in view of the low amount. Comparability of recent research on that topic is in particular limited in view of the heterogeneous CSR and earnings management variables and the endogeneity concerns. Future research is encouraged to address endogeneity tests, include country-specific effects and increase the validity of CSR and earnings management variables. As CSR performance and reporting can have a major impact on earnings quality, the author recommends firms to search for opportunities to make their CSR activities more comprehensive by expanding their CSR reporting and thus providing deeper insights on their CSR performance in line with stakeholders’ interests. The paper is the first literature review on the CSR-earnings management and earnings management-CSR relationship so far. The author explains the main CSR and earnings management variables that have been included in prior empirical research, stresses the limitations of the studies and gives useful recommendations for future research, practice and regulators.

Seit der Finanzkrise 2008/09 wurde auf europäischer Ebene die nichtfinanzielle Berichterstattung stetig regulatorisch ausgeweitet. Nach der Einführung von Corporate Governance-Erklärungen, nichtfinanziellen Erklärungen und Vergütungsberichten strebt die Europäische Union (EU) vor dem Hintergrund der aktuellen Diskussion zum Klimawandel danach, Unternehmen des öffentlichen Interesses zu einer höheren Transparenz in der Klimaberichterstattung zu bewegen. Vor diesem Hintergrund stellt der vorliegende Beitrag auf die Klimaberichterstattung aus Sicht der normativen und empirisch-quantitativen (Archiv-)Forschung im Finanz- und Rechnungswesen ab.

Purpose - This study focuses on environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance in total and separated in its three pillars and their influence on earnings management. Design/methodology/approach - Companies listed on the German Prime Standard (DAX30, TecDAX, MDAX) for the business years 2011-2017 (548 firm-year observations) are included in the empirical-quantitative study. A correlation and regression analysis are conducted in order to analysis the impact of ESG performance as determined by the AssetFour database of Thomson Reuters on accruals-based earnings management (AEM) and real earnings management (REM). Findings - ESG performance has a negative influence on AEM but not on REM. Moreover, by dividing the three different factors of ESG performance, governance performance has the strongest negative impact on AEM in comparison to environmental and social performance. We also state a bidirectional relationship between ESG performance and earnings management.Originality/value - The analysis makes a key contribution to research as the link between ESG performance and their three components and earnings management are analyzed for the German two-tier system for the first time. Corporate practice, regulators and researchers should be aware of the notion that ESG performance and financial reporting have many interdependencies and should be discussed together. Purpose – This study aims to focus on environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance as a whole and individually in its three pillars and their influence on earnings management.Design/methodology/approach – Companies listed on the German Prime Standard (DAX30, TecDAX and MDAX) for the business years 2011-2017 (548 firm-year observations) are included in the empirical quantitative study. A correlation and regression analysis is conducted to analyze the impact of ESGperformance as determined by the Asset4 database of Thomson Reuters on accruals-based earnings management (AEM) and real earnings management (REM).Findings – ESG performance has a negative influence on AEM but not on REM. Moreover, by dividing the three different factors of ESG performance, governance performance has the strongest negative impact on AEM in comparison to environmental and social performance. This study also suggests a bidirectionalrelationship between ESG performance and earnings management.Originality/value – The analysis makes a key contribution to research as the link between ESG performance and their three components and earnings management are analyzed for the German two-tier system for the first time. Corporate practice, regulators and researchers should recognize that ESGperformance and financial reporting should be discussed together.

Based on the stakeholder-agency theory, this study empirically investigates the impact of sustainability performance on financial performance. We rely on a sample from the German DAX30, MDAX, and TecDAX from 2008 to 2017. In contrast to former studies concentrating on the German market that tested a direct linear relationship between sustainability performance and financial performance, a time-lagging and curvilinear regression analysis was carried out, and evidence of a U-shaped relationship was found. This implies that sustainability management aiming at increasing financial performance should proactively strive for very high levels of corporate sustainability to meet the needs of investors and further stakeholders.

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to summarize the key findings of meta-analyses in accounting, auditing, and corporate governance research.Design/methodology/approach: A structured literature review on 63 meta-analyses related to (1) financial accounting, (2) management accounting, (3) auditing, and (4) corporate governance is conducted. Findings: Most of the previous meta-analyses have been focused on the topic of corporate governance with a clear focus on board composition as an independent variable and by integrating research- and country-specific moderating variables. Meta-analyses in management accounting are rare; furthermore, no meta-analysis in tax accounting has been published yet.Originality/value: Meta-analyses on these topics are expected to become increasingly important in the following years because of the increased number of empirical quantitative research. Our literature review gives useful insights for research, practice, and regulation. Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to summarize the key findings of meta-analyses in accounting, auditing, and corporate governance research.Design/methodology/approach: A structured literature review on 63 meta-analyses related to (1) financial accounting, (2) management accounting, (3) auditing, and (4) corporate governance is conducted. Findings: Most of the previous meta-analyses have been focused on the topic of corporate governance with a clear focus on board composition as an independent variable and by integrating research- and country-specific moderating variables. Meta-analyses in management accounting are rare; furthermore, no meta-analysis in tax accounting has been published yet.Originality/value: Meta-analyses on these topics are expected to become increasingly important in the following years because of the increased number of empirical quantitative research. Our literature review gives useful insights for research, practice, and regulation.

This study examines determinants of materiality disclosure quality (MDQ) in integrated reporting (IR) in an international setting. To this purpose, we constructed a novel, hand-collected MDQ score in line with the guiding principles introduced by the International Integrated Reporting Council. On the basis of a cross-national sample consisting of 359 firm-year observations between 2013 and 2016, we find that MDQ is positively associated with learning effects, gender diversity, and the assurance of nonfinancial information in the integrated report. On the other hand, we find that IR readability, listing in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index, and earnings management do not affect MDQ. Our results are robust to different statistical models. We expand on earlier empirical findings on IR disclosure quality and provide valuable insights for research, practice, and standard setting.

The role of European businesses in addressing environmental issues and climate change has taken center stage with the European Green Deal. With increasing attention to the effect of board gender diversity (BGD) on firms' environmental performance, the question arises whether BGD has any influence on carbon emissions. Based on legitimacy and critical mass theory, this study empirically investigates the impact of BGD on firms' carbon performance (CP), based on total carbon emissions intensity. The paper relies on two-stage least squares (2SLS) regressions with instrumental variable (IV) and a two-step generalized method of moments (GMM) system approach to analyze a cross-country sample of 3123 observations from non-financial firms in the European STOXX600 index over the 2009–2018 period. Our findings add to the growing empirical evidence twofold: (1) there is a robust linear and positive relationship between BGD and CP, whereas some indication of a U-shaped relationship is found; and (2) we find that a critical mass of at least two women directors needs to be reached to increase CP. Our research results contribute to the current discussion on sustainable corporate governance, especially in the European capital market, and have implications for researchers, business practice, and regulatory issues alike.