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Background: Covid-19 pandemic has particularly affected older people living in Long-term Care settings in terms of infection and mortality., Methods: We carried out a cross-sectional analysis within a cohort of Long-term care nursing home residents between March first and June thirty, 2020, who were ≥ 65 years old and on whom at least one PCR test was performed. Socio-demographic, comorbidities, and clinical data were recorded. Facility size and community incidence of SARS-CoV-2 were also considered. The outcomes of interest were infection (PCR positive) and death., Results: A total of 8021 residents were included from 168 facilities. Mean age was 86.4 years (SD = 7.4). Women represented 74.1%. SARS-CoV-2 infection was detected in 27.7% of participants, and the overall case fatality rate was 11.3% (24.9% among those with a positive PCR test). Epidemiological factors related to risk of infection were larger facility size (pooled aOR 1.73; P < .001), higher community incidence (pooled aOR 1.67, P = .04), leading to a higher risk than the clinical factor of low level of functional dependence (aOR 1.22, P = .03). Epidemiological risk factors associated with mortality were male gender (aOR 1.75; P < .001), age (pooled aOR 1.16; P < .001), and higher community incidence (pooled aOR 1.19, P = < 0.001) whereas clinical factors were low level of functional dependence (aOR 2.42, P < .001), Complex Chronic Condition (aOR 1.29, P < .001) and dementia (aOR 1.33, P <0.001). There was evidence of clustering for facility and health area when considering the risk of infection and mortality (P < .001)., Conclusions: Our results suggest a complex interplay between structural and individual factors regarding Covid-19 infection and its impact on mortality in nursing-home residents., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Seventy four Reference Sites of the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing (EIP on AHA) have been recognised by the European Commission in 2016 for their commitment to excellence in investing and scaling up innovative solutions for active and healthy ageing. The Reference Site Collaborative Network (RSCN) brings together the EIP on AHA Reference Sites awarded by the European Commission, and Candidate Reference Sites into a single forum. The overarching goals are to promote cooperation, share and transfer good practice and solutions in the development and scaling up of health and care strategies, policies and service delivery models, while at the same time supporting the action groups in their work. The RSCN aspires to be recognized by the EU Commission as the principal forum and authority representing all EIP on AHA Reference Sites. The RSCN will contribute to achieve the goals of the EIP on AHA by improving health and care outcomes for citizens across Europe, and the development of sustainable economic growth and the creation of jobs.

This paper explores the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to sustainability in business, emphasizing the need for integrated perspectives from the angles of accounting, management, and governance. It argues that addressing the complex and multifaceted environmental and social impacts of business requires more than just sustainability reporting frameworks. While reporting holds businesses accountable, it is not sufficient on its own without meaningful action. Business management plays a crucial role in implementing sustainability initiatives, and executives, as key decision-makers, must align organizational strategies and resources to achieve sustainability goals. A bibliometric analysis of sustainability-related literature across three business research domains—accounting, management, and governance—has been undertaken. Web of Science has been used as the data source to identify key themes, trends, and relationships. In the analysis, co-authorship, citation patterns, and keyword co-occurrence analysis have been implemented to uncover interconnections between the domains. The findings highlight both commonalities and unique aspects of each literature stream, offering insights into how business practices can more holistically address sustainability challenges. The article concludes with recommendations for a combined approach to sustainability that encourages comprehensive action by researchers, practitioners, and decision-makers to address the pressing environmental and social issues that businesses face. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: With digitisation, a new kind of inequality has emerged in society between people and groups of people. A lack of digital inclusion creates challenges for the economic and social development of society and citizen participation. This study analyses how the country-level cultural factors defined by Hofstede are associated with citizens' digital skills and internet usage and how they moderate the effects of age, gender, educational level and income level. Design/methodology/approach: This comparative cross-sectional study examines digital inclusion in 22 European countries. Data from the European Social Survey (N = 37,602) are analysed using a two-level regression analysis. Findings: The study found significant effects of demographic and socio-economic factors and country-level indulgence on digital skills and internet usage. In addition, the study shows that a high value on the indulgence index moderates the negative effect of age. Originality/value: The digital divide has been studied widely with regard to individual-level influencing factors and international comparisons. The significance of Hofstede's cultural dimensions in terms of digitisation and digital divides has also been confirmed in previous studies. However, there is a lack of analysis combining the effects of country-level culture and individual-level demographic and socio-economic factors on citizens' digital skills and internet usage. Generally, the research emphasises the significance of national culture in digital inclusion and especially in supporting the digital inclusion of older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Corporate digital responsibility is a challenge for companies as it recognizes that the use of technology can have a significant impact on society. In addition, a whole philosophy of nonfinancial disclosure has recently been developing and has become a priority for organizations seeking to be transparent and accountable. While some companies have already adopted this approach, practices related to information transparency in corporate digital responsibility are still in their early stages, creating a need to improve reporting and promote greater understanding in this evolving field. Based on a study analyzing the disclosure of information on digitization and taking into account that the board of directors is the body in charge of companies' disclosure policy, the study aims to identify the factors that favor this disclosure. Design/methodology/approach: As established by Ponce et al. (2022), IBEX-35 companies are Public Interest Companies subject to European and international regulations and are required to provide information on economic efficiency indicators and nonfinancial indicators. In relation to the proposed objectives, the aim is to analyze the possible factors that condition the degree of dissemination of information on digitization. To this end, a multiple linear regression of the dissemination index has been proposed following the works of Gil et al. (2018), Rodríguez-Ariza et al. (2014) and Briano-Turrent & Rodríguez-Ariza (2013). The estimation will be performed using the SPSS software (version 27). Findings: The results show that the number of independent directors has a positive influence on the level of information disclosed by companies online. Conversely – and in line with previous studies – board size does not have a significant impact on the level of information transparency. Research limitations/implications: This study has a few limitations that adversely impact the generalizability of the results. First, the subjective problem inherent in the rating and evaluation of information collected in the annual reports of sample companies cannot be excluded. Second, the consideration that each element that constitutes the IDT has the same weight, there being no weighting criteria. Finally, the study population is limited to 35 listed companies, not considering medium and small companies. Nevertheless, despite these limitations, the results are sufficiently interesting to justify and extend the research to a larger number of companies and, of course, to other stock market indices. Another interesting future line of research would be to include more independent variables to analyze what other factors determine the degree of digital transparency of companies. Practical implications: The study may be useful for organizations to take into account when identifying the corporate governance characteristics that will improve the disclosure of information on digitalization, which is still incipient and voluntary. Similar considerations could be made with respect to the competent authorities in regulating the disclosure of information by companies, insofar as they should promote policies that, in general, favor corporate transparency. Originality/value: This study contributes to the literature in three main ways: 1) although there is a large body of research that has explored the impact of corporate governance dimensions on the level of nonfinancial transparency, the present study pioneers the approach to digitalization disclosure in Spanish listed companies; 2) it provides evidence that it is highly advisable to have a majority of independent directors to achieve a higher degree of digital disclosure; and 3) the results of this research show the current state of digital transparency on the websites of most of the listed companies in Spain, which could serve as a benchmark for those responsible for issuing corporate governance policies and guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are mixed findings on the impact of women directors on board (WOB) on corporate financial performance (CFP). To reconcile these mixed findings, we propose that WOB could influence CFP in the following two ways. On the one hand, WOB could enhance CFP by leading more CSR activities. On the other hand, WOB may weaken the CSR-CFP relationship due to expectations on their role-playing. These two effects go in opposite directions, and their relative strength determines the WOB-CFP relationship. Using Chinese listed firms from 2011 to 2020 as samples, the results lend strong support to these two effects. And WOB will have a positive effect on CFP only if its moderating effect on the CSR-CFP relationship has been controlled for. Additional tests show that neither critical mass nor qualification of women directors matters in explaining variations of CFP in Chinese firms. The contributions and limitations are discussed at the end of this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In this fast-changing world, digitization has become crucial to organizations, allowing decision-makers to alter corporate processes. Companies with a higher corporate social responsibility (CSR) level not only help encourage employees to focus on their goals, but they also show that they take their social responsibility seriously, which is increasingly important in today's digital economy. So, this study aims to examine the relationship between digital transformation and CSR disclosure of Chinese A-share companies. Furthermore, this research investigates the moderating impact of governance heterogeneity, including CEO power and corporate internal control (INT) mechanisms. Design/methodology/approach: This study used fixed effect estimation with robust standard errors to examine the relationship between digital transformation and CSR disclosure and the moderating effect of governance heterogeneity among Chinese A-share companies from 2010 to 2020. The whole sample consists of 17,266 firms, including 5,038 state-owned enterprise (SOE) company records and 12,228 non-SOE records. The whole sample data is collected from the China Stock Market and Accounting Research, the Chinese Research Data Services and the WIND databases. Findings: The regression results lead us to three conclusions after classifying the sample into non-SOE and SOE groups. First, Chinese A-share businesses with greater levels of digitalization have lower CSR disclosures. Both SOE and non-SOE are consistent with these findings. Second, increasing CEO authority creates a more centralized company decision-making structure (Breuer et al., 2022; Freire, 2019), which improves the negative association between digitalization and CSR disclosure. These conclusions, however, also apply to non-SOE. Finally, INT reinforces the association between corporate digitization and CSR disclosure, which is especially obvious in SOEs. These findings are robust to alternative HEXUN CSR disclosure index. Heterogeneity analysis shows that the negative relationship between corporate digitalization and CSR disclosures is more pronounced in bigger, highly levered and highly financialized firms. Originality/value: Digitalization and CSR disclosure are well studied, but few have examined their interactions from a governance heterogeneity perspective in China. Practitioners and policymakers may use these insights to help business owners implement suitable digital policies for firm development from diverse business perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to examine the determinants and consequences of integrated reporting (IR) disclosures of listed non-financial firms in an emerging economy. Design/methodology/approach: This study uses data from 39 listed non-financial firms that had adopted IR disclosure framework in Sri Lanka for the period from 2011 to 2018. Firm size, growth opportunity, profitability and firm age are considered significant determinants of IR disclosure, while their consequences are measured in terms of share price, Tobin's Q, return on assets and return on equity. The authors used the results of the correlation and panel regression analyses to draw this study's conclusions. Findings: This study finds that firm size and age are the significant determinants of IR disclosure, which is consistent with this study's expectations. Considering the consequences of IR disclosure, only share price and Tobin's Q show significant results as per the panel regression analyses. Practical implications: The findings of this study would be useful in the decision-making processes of existing and prospective investors, regulators, policymakers and society at large. Further, the findings of this study communicate the benefits of this new reporting paradigm in shaping their disclosures in the annual corporate reporting process. Originality/value: Although existing studies attempted to examine the determinants of IR disclosure and its consequences as isolated studies, this study provides new insights by merging these two aspects into a single study and consider several determinants and consequences as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research shows that public service motivation (PSM) may serve as a buffer of unethical decision-making. We expand research by studying whether PSM is also related to ethics in situations where supervisors demand unethical behaviours from their employees. Our results show that PSM as a global concept and the PSM-dimension "Commitment to Public Values" are both negatively associated with the acceptance of unethical guidelines by one's supervisor. Our study contributes to a better understanding of the ethical outcomes of highly public-service motivated individuals, while also looking at the dimensionality of the concept of PSM. This research is important because we contribute to a better understanding of how public workers might react when being confronted with unethical demands in their workplace, which presents worrisome issue across many countries around the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both board independence (BI) and digital transformation (DT) play important roles in promoting Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance. However, few studies have focused on their interaction effects on ESG performance (ESGP). The study selected Chinese A-share listed companies from 2013 to 2023 as the research sample and used a moderating effect model to test the complementary or substitutive relationship between the two. The empirical results show that there is a substitutive effect, rather than a complementary one. Further analysis of the individual ESG pillars revealed that the substitutive effect of BI and DT is primarily reflected in corporate governance. Moreover, this substitutive effect is more pronounced in state-owned enterprises and non-manufacturing enterprises, and digital supervision mechanisms may have a stronger substitutive role than traditional independent director oversight mechanisms. These findings uncover the complex relationship between the two governance mechanisms and corporate ESGP, offering important insights for managers; companies need to strike a balance between "human governance" and "digital governance" to maximize ESGP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A bibliometric analysis of the literature (Zupic & Cater, 2015) was carried out to analyze the trends and conclusions of studies on earnings management and corporate social responsibility (CSR). This study examined 177 Scopus-indexed papers published between 2008 and 2022. R-Biblioshiny was then used to process the data and create a citation matrix and bibliometric network that could be visualized and interpreted. VOSviewer and further investigations were also conducted. The results of the data analysis show a drastic uptrend in the studies on CSR and earnings management over the years. The data also revealed Spain as the most influential nation, and Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management as the journal with the strongest influence. An article with 845 citations was published in the Accounting Review journal based on the Co-Occurrence Network. In 2019, the focus of the research was on “corporate governance”, “investor protection”, and “financial performance”, whereas in 2021, “stakeholder theory” and “board diversity” were important buzzwords. Kim Y., Park M. S., and Wier B. are the most cited authors for co-citation analysis. This study also showed Martinez-Ferrero J. as the most influential author. The results of this study provide insights into the future roadmap of studies on CSR and earnings management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Corporate leadership and environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance are closely intertwined, as effective corporate leadership can facilitate the achievement of strong ESG performance. Thus, the purpose of the study is to investigate the impact of corporate board leadership on the ESG performance of listed firms. Design/methodology/approach: The sample has been taken from the listed firms of the Nifty 500 index spanning the period of 10 years from 2012 to 2022. Dynamic panel data estimations are applied through a fixed effect model. Findings: The findings of this study revealed that board size, board independence and board qualification have a significant positive influence on ESG performance. It is evident that good corporate governance practices can positively influence ESG performance by fostering accountability, transparency and ethical behavior, as well as better integrating ESG considerations into their decision-making processes and ensuring that ESG issues are prioritized at the highest levels of management. Further findings also revealed that chief executive officer (CEO) duality has a significant negative relationship with ESG performance, which goes against the belief of stakeholder theory. Social implications: It has practical implications for policymakers, as they can enact new regulations pertaining to the CEO's position in the organizations to make corporate governance responsible for improved sustainability and ESG performance. Originality/value: There are very few studies analyzing the impact of corporate board structure on ESG performance related to emerging markets. Thus, this study contributes to that literature by using the methodology GMM panel data for the first time as per our knowledge [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the use of the measured bending stiffness reduction of a prestressed concrete bridge to evaluate its residual bearing capacity (RBC). To create a clear correlation between bending stiffness and the RBC, the extent of bridge damage is equated to the rebar area reduction in accordance with bridge design codes. The validity of the proposed model was confirmed through the experimental testing of a prestressed concrete T-girder. Moreover, the paper also addresses the impact of transverse connection damage on the measured reduction in bending stiffness for practical application. A refined measure of bending stiffness reduction is derived through the analysis of the load distribution across the bridge due to damage in transverse connections. Field testing data of a real prestressed concrete T-girder bridge from the tap-scan method demonstrate that damage in transverse connections had a few percent impact on the RBC. In light of these findings, a novel method for efficiently evaluating the RBC of prestressed concrete bridges based on the bending stiffness is formulated. Since all parameters are directly measured nondestructively in the field, the proposed method significantly diminishes the reliance on subjective expertise in RBC evaluations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to investigate whether executive compensation, corporate social responsibility (CSR)-based incentives, environmental social and governance (ESG) performance and firm performance are the significant predictors of CSR committees, in addition to CEO, firm and corporate governance characteristics, from the tenet of stakeholder and managerial power theories. Design/methodology/approach: Switzerland is an exemplary country from the perspective of corporate governance and executive compensation. This empirical study includes a panel data set of listed Swiss companies, so fixed-effect logistic regression has been used. Findings: It has been found that the companies that offer CSR-based incentives and higher compensation to their CEOs and have better ESG performance are more likely to have CSR committees. Practical implications: This empirical paper fills the gap in the literature, guides practitioners about the factors that influence the creation and efficiency of CSR committees, and inspires regulatory bodies to ponder on a mandatory CSR committee to form resilient and sustainable organizations worldwide. Social implications: COVID-19 has re-emphasized the prominence of sustainability and the stakeholder approach. Thus, this paper indicates that CSR committees require the adaption and implementation of a holistic sustainability policy that integrates both external and internal factors and thereby provides a whole process for sustainability issues. Originality/value: The impact of CSR committees on corporate social performance (CSP) has already been investigated. However, the predictors of CSR committees have been less scrutinized in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyze the impact of women on corporate boards of directors on product quality. We innovate firstly by integrating the broad but fragmented research on the topic, offering a first simultaneously testing of a larger set of variables identified to be significant in earlier studies. Second, we add alternative indicators of female representation in board of directors as a potential determinant of product quality. Third, we use evaluation scores of goods by the nonprofit foundation "Stiftung Warentest" as a quality indicator, thus adding to a regionally diversified evidence. We find a significant positive effect of female board directors on product quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article investigates the interactional constitution of a phenomenon recurrently reported by teachers who complain about a loss of authority, a systematic delegitimization of their role. Adopting a conversation analysis informed approach to a single-case study from a corpus of parent–teacher conferences, we illustrate how challenging the teachers' expertise is accomplished by participants as an outcome of some identifiable communicative practices. Particularly, we analyze the practices of "quoting" and "referring to the expert" as interactional resources differently exploited by participants: While parents challenge the teachers' epistemic authority and lay the foundation for claiming the right to decide what do to with their son in the classroom, teachers contribute to this epistemic positioning and cede their expert knowledge-based deontic rights, that is, the right to decide the best practices to adopt in the classroom. In the discussion, we advance that the participants' interactive competence in navigating the complex epistemic landscape of the encounter profoundly impacts on the local definition of reciprocal epistemic and deontic rights and responsibilities. Indications for teachers' education are provided in the conclusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have emerged as a relevant framework for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) at the firm level. Despite the recent proliferation of articles about firms' engagement with SDGs within a short span of time, empirical literature in this field is still in its early stages, and has not yet been organized. While a set of literature reviews have analyzed the impact of SDGs at the organizational or firm level, none have specifically focused on empirical works at the company level. To address this gap, this article aims to review the empirical studies on firms' engagement with SDGs. A total number of 29 studies published in the 2015 to 2024 period were reviewed based on the scoping review methodology, in order to identify key concepts and research gaps. In terms of the primary focus of the studies examined, although a wide array of topics were explored in the early stage of the SDG literature, a notable theme emerged: the analysis of the determinants or factors driving companies to engage with SDGs. The article delves into the implications of the findings for managers, public policymakers and various stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to the information disclosure quality and investment return efficiency of ESG enterprises, this paper establishes a dynamic incentive mechanism based on return regulation considering the reciprocal preferences of enterprises and investors. The strategy evolution path of ESG enterprises is explored from the perspective of external regulation in the investment market. The evolutionary game analysis of ESG investment returns in five scenarios shows that the increase in reciprocal preferences of investors and ESG enterprises will promote enterprises to make high efforts to improve the quality of information disclosure and credit rating behavior. However, with the increase of project return, the degree of reciprocity of investors should be appropriately adjusted, otherwise it is easy to cause speculation of ESG enterprises. In the case of heterogeneous returns, the effects of positive and negative incentives differ greatly, so the incentive mechanism should be set to match the return state of ESG investments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to examine the impact of enhanced corporate governance procedures on the level of risk-taking exhibited by banks. Between the years 2002 and 2019, a comprehensive selection of banks was gathered from a total of eight countries and categorized into two legal systems: common-law (Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia) and civil-law (Japan, France, Germany, and Italy). By classifying our sample into systemic and non-systemic banks and employing traditional risk-taking metrics such as the z-score and the volatility of daily stock returns, we provide evidence of a substantial decline in banks' propensity for risk-taking in the years subsequent to the global financial crisis. This decrease can be attributed to the implementation of enhanced bank governance practices, which have been deemed more efficacious by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision. Furthermore, it is worth noting that empirical data supports the notion that macroeconomic and institutional factors specific to each country, such as GDP per capita, government quality index, unemployment rate, and social trust, significantly influence the risk-taking tendencies exhibited by banks. The findings of our study demonstrate robustness when subjected to various sensitivity tests conducted for each research question. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the association between equity pledges and classification shifting earnings management in Chinese listed firms, spanning the period from 2016 to 2022. Additionally, it explores the moderating influence of product market competition (PMC) and analyst attention on this relationship. By analyzing a sample comprising 12,583 firm-year observations, several notable findings are observed. The regression results reveal a positive and statistically significant relationship between equity pledges and classification shifting earnings management (coefficient = 0.00234, p < 0.01). Moreover, this positive impact is further magnified when specifically considering downward classification shifting (coefficient = 0.00368, p < 0.01). Regarding the moderating factors, the results demonstrate a positive moderating effect of PMC on the relationship between equity pledges and classification shifting, with an interaction coefficient of 0.0165 (p < 0.01). This moderating effect is particularly pronounced in the context of downward classification shifting, with an interaction coefficient of 0.0142 (p < 0.01). Similarly, analyst attention also positively moderates the relationship, as indicated by an interaction coefficient of 0.00144 (p < 0.05), with a stronger effect observed in the case of downward classification shifting, with an interaction coefficient of 0.00329 (p < 0.01). Furthermore, additional tests reveal that leverage strengthens the aforementioned moderating effects. The threeway interaction involving debt, PMC, and equity pledges significantly influences classification shifting, with a coefficient of 0.0415 (p < 0.05). Specifically, debt exacerbates the moderating impact of competition on highly leveraged firms that engage in downward classification shifting, as evidenced by a coefficient of 0.0599 (p < 0.05). Similarly, debt reinforces the moderating role of analyst attention (coefficient = 0.00820, p < 0.05), especially for downward classification shifting (coefficient = 0.00902, p < 0.1). Propensity score matching and robustness tests validate the findings. Therefore, this research contributes to the understanding of the economic implications of equity pledge by focusing on earnings manipulation through classification shifting. It also examines this relationship within different competitive environments and external regulatory frameworks, aiming to promote the long-term viability of companies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of sustainability disclosure practices adopted by companies located in Visakhapatnam, specifically focusing on Visakha Steel Plant (VSP) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL). The research seeks to identify key factors that enhance these practices and propose measures for improvement. Methodology Utilizing a quantitative research approach, primary data was collected from 125 respondents, including corporate executives, sustainability officers, and stakeholders. The study employed discriminant analysis and exploratory factor analysis to evaluate and identify critical factors influencing the effectiveness of sustainability disclosures. Findings The findings reveal that effective sustainability disclosures are characterized by high levels of comprehensiveness and stakeholder engagement. Detailed reporting and active stakeholder interaction are crucial for effective practices. Companies that adhere to standardized frameworks, maintain transparency, and implement rigorous internal auditing practices produce more reliable and credible sustainability disclosures. Stakeholder involvement through regular meetings, feedback mechanisms, and community engagement is essential in enhancing the quality of disclosures. Transparency and consistency in reporting, achieved through open disclosure, accessible information, and adherence to reporting schedules, are vital for building trust and accountability. Conclusion The study concludes that focusing on comprehensive reporting, active stakeholder engagement, adherence to standardized frameworks, transparency, and robust internal auditing can significantly improve the effectiveness of sustainability disclosure practices. These practices contribute to more sustainable and transparent corporate governance. Implications For VSP and HPCL, implementing these key areas can lead to enhanced sustainability disclosures, fostering greater trust and accountability among stakeholders. The findings provide valuable insights for other companies aiming to improve their sustainability reporting practices, contributing to overall better corporate governance and sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The current paper aims at exploring the audit committee characteristics' effect on impression management. Design/methodology/approach: The methodology is based on the use of the content analysis of financial annual reports, as data of a 69-company sample study from 2015 to 2019 attained from "Amman Stock Exchange" has been analyzed. Moreover, multiple regression analysis on panel data was employed. Findings: The results show that the independence of the audit committee, the financial expertise of the audit committee and female members negatively affect impression management, implying that these characteristics mitigate financial reporting manipulation and decrease the practices of impression management. However, the findings detect no significant influence for committee meetings on impression management. Research limitations/implications: Notably, the current work is applicable and useful for understanding the audit committee's role in enhancing the financial reporting's quality, along with the significance of the audit committee in growing the stakeholder's confidence in financial reporting. In light of these results, regulatory bodies' efforts are encouraged to create additional strategies and instructions to ensure the trustiness and credibility of financial reporting. Originality/value: This paper will be useful to companies that want to improve the quality of financial reporting and decrease the impression of management's effect on financial reporting's readers. Moreover, this paper contributes to the literature on impression management by exploring the effect of audit committees on impression management of annual financial reports of the users in the context of emerging markets and Middle East countries, particularly Jordan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to empirically examine whether foreign experienced CFOs (FCFOs) affect financial reporting quality (FRQ). Analyzing Chinese listed firms from 2005 to 2018, this study employs methods such as ordinary least square, fixed effect model (FEM), generalized method of moment (GMM), two-stage least square (2SLS), propensity score matching method (PSM), and change analysis to find the relationship between FCFOs and FRQ. The results show that FCFOs significantly positively impact FRQ, which means that FCFOs improve FRQ in Chinese firms. We argue that international experience imprints CFO cognition, elevates his moral standards, and makes him more transparent in dealings, leading to a better information environment and robust corporate governance mechanism. In addition, this study indicates that the relationship between FCFOs and FRQ is significant in non-state-owned enterprises (NSOEs), suggesting that NSOEs outperform state-owned enterprises (SOEs) in terms of FRQ. Finally, we find that both foreign work and study experiences of CFOs affect FRQ. The findings suggest that asymmetric information problems can be alleviated by encouraging foreign experienced individuals to the firm's CFO position. The study provides empirical evidence that a CFO's foreign experience determines a firm's FRQ. Plain language summary: Foreign experienced chief financial officer and firm reporting quality Purpose – This paper aims to empirically examine whether foreign experienced CFOs (FCFOs) affect financial reporting quality (FRQ). Design/methodology/approach – Analyzing Chinese listed firms from 2005 to 2018, this study employs methods such as ordinary least square, fixed effect model (FEM), generalized method of moment (GMM), two-stage least square (2SLS), propensity score matching method (PSM), and change analysis to find the relationship between FCFOs and FRQ. Findings – The results show that FCFOs significantly positively impact FRQ, which means that FCFOs improve FRQ in Chinese firms. We argue that international experience imprints CFO cognition, elevates his moral standards, and makes him more transparent in dealings, leading to a better information environment and robust corporate governance mechanism. In addition, this study indicates that the relationship between FCFOs and FRQ is significant in non-state-owned enterprises (NSOEs), suggesting that NSOEs outperform state-owned enterprises (SOEs) in terms of FRQ. Finally, we find that both foreign work and study experiences of CFOs affect FRQ. Practical implications – The findings suggest that asymmetric information problems can be alleviated by encouraging foreign experienced individuals to the firm's CFO position. Originality/value – The study provides empirical evidence that a CFO's foreign experience determines a firm's FRQ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The underlying problems of Sub-Saharan African development are a result of a crisis in governance. Over the years, issues of governance and economic development have been the focus of debate in academia. However, the existing literature has not adequately explored the association between good governance and economic complexity. The purpose of this study is therefore to investigate the short-run and long-run relationships between economic complexity and good governance in 27 Sub-Saharan African countries for the period 1996–2019 using the PMG-ARDL model. The findings reveal that economic complexity, foreign aid, and the Gini coefficient have a positive and statistically significant long-run impact on good governance in Sub-Saharan Africa. Thus, the null hypothesis that economic complexity has a significantly positive impact on good governance is accepted by these findings. The short-run dynamics results reveal that economic complexity and foreign aid have a negative and insignificant impact on good governance, while foreign direct investment, the Gini coefficient, and unemployment have a positive and insignificant impact on good governance in Sub-Saharan Africa. Based on the findings, it is recommended that policymakers in the region place more emphasis on structural transformations to transform their productive structures, which will ultimately lead to higher economic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa. Policies geared towards the diversification of exports (i.e., economic complexity) in the region for economic growth and development are also recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corporate social responsibility (CSR), a concept which existed for almost a century, is gaining traction in both commercial and academic spheres. Firms are experiencing greater pressures to report more nonfinancial disclosures, especially on information related to their CSR initiatives. Even though some countries have implemented some forms of mandatory disclosure requirements, corporate executives continue to retain substantial autonomy in deciding the quality and extent of their corporate social responsibility disclosures (CSRDs). One hundred twenty-eight articles published from 2006 to 2022 were found in the Scopus and Web of Science databases using a systematic literature review technique. This study offers a comprehensive mapping of the research works conducted, theoretical frameworks cited, and various determinants of CSRD. This study reveals that legitimacy theory, agency theory, and stakeholder theory are commonly cited in CSRD literature. Many country-level, firm-level, and individual-level determining factors affecting the quality and quantity of CSRD were discovered. This research made valuable contributions to the extant literature on CSR across multiple dimensions. Lastly, this study also identifies potential research avenues for academics to further the expanding body of knowledge in CSR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In business landscape, companies attempt to meet stakeholders’ expectations by publishing their corporate social responsibility (CSR) information in specific reports. In fact, CSR reports encompass a set of information related to companies’ sustainable actions, approaches, and motivations. CSR reporting readability is an important issue to handle at the corporate level in order to leverage companies’ sustainable disclosure. This article investigates CSR reporting to identify specific categorizations and structures related to published CSR information of listed stocks. Mixed research methods are applied to a sample of 58 Moroccan companies that have the CSR label. First, content analysis was conducted for each organization’s CSR annual report. Second, multiple correspondence analysis was conducted to detect specific associations and structures in CSR reporting. Our findings highlight that companies communicate more concisely and completely when they perform social actions based on a value creation approach and under normative motivations. The results shed light on companies’ awareness of integrating CSR dimensions into their corporate disclosure. This study contributes to the literature by highlighting the extent to which CSR reporting structures could be used as indicators of the complexity and readability quality of companies’ sustainability reporting. It could serve as a tool to assess companies’ social and environmental engagement and reputation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the environmental, social and governance (ESG) reporting in 38 public water companies owned by local municipalities from Andalusia. With an adapted measure integrated by 172 indicators drawn from national and international standards, results show a low level and quality of ESG disclosure. Along with the positive relationship with size and cultural orientation towards transparency, the hybrid nature of public companies is directly related to their ESG disclosure activity. Unlike what could happen in other sectors, the presence of private capital in the shareholding provides water companies with experienced knowledge to better report financial and non-financial information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To achieve sustainability, industrial systems need to be modernized to improve resource efficiency while optimizing environmental and social performance. The implementation of environmental and technological projects is a complex management process and requires sufficient innovative potential and serious investments, which not every company can provide. Network integration of companies, providing synergy of resources and potentials, is an effective tool for the development and implementation of innovative technologies that allow achieving optimal resource efficiency indicators. An integrated complex approach to the formation of a cross- industrial system on the principles of network integration and partnerships ensures technological interaction between companies, optimizes the methods and forms of their economic activities, allows integration participants to achieve strategic goals and ensure environmental and social effects for the territory of presence. The sustainability of such a system is expressed in its ability to withstand internal threats and external challenges. Approaches to balancing environmental and technological effects while simultaneously analysing social efficiency have not received sufficient development in scientific research. This article discusses an approach to the selection of environmental-technological projects based on criteria for assessing the sustainability and resilience of industrial systems. The authors' approach has been tested using two industrial symbioses of advanced socio-economic development territories in the city of Novotroitsk (Orenburg region, Russian Federation). The authors presented calculated indicators of resource efficiency before and after the formation of a cross-sectoral industrial system in order to identify social and environmental effects in Novotroitsk. This approach to the assessment of environmental and technological projects allows to concentrate government support measures on the general priorities of the implementation of regional economic and industrial policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In times of prolonged economic doldrums across the globe, multinational firms (MNFs) offshoring blunders can undermine their competitiveness in the marketplace. To help the MNF formulate a more resilient offshoring strategy and identify the most desirable offshoring destination, this article aims to identify dynamic risk factors that significantly hinder the efficiency of offshoring and then measure specific offshoring risks over time using two different versions of data envelopment analysis (DEA) models and Malmquist productivity index (MPI). After assessing the degree of risk resiliency of the offshoring host countries over extended periods and then conducting Tobit regression analysis to identify key factors that significantly influence offshoring risks, we found that the host country's logistics efficiency (i.e., logistics performance index [LPI]) and domestic market size were critical indicators of offshoring success in that country. Since low‐cost sourcing countries (LCCs) tend to have relatively low LPIs and smaller domestic market sizes, they are not attractive offshoring destinations. This finding defies conventional wisdom. This article is one of the first longitudinal studies to assess the comprehensive risk resilience of 87 different offshoring destinations (countries) during multiple periods (6‐year span). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five cases of legionnaires disease and one death were associated with four members of a tour group from the United Kingdom (UK) and one French tourist who all visited Spain in the spring of 1993. The UK group stayed at four hotels, one of which was also used by the French tourist. Phenotypic and genotypic comparison of isolates of Legionella pneumophila obtained from one of the UK cases and the French patient demonstrated that they were indistinguishable from each other and from environmental isolates obtained from the water supply of the hotel at which all five cases had stayed. A cohort study of the UK tour group was carried out to determine the extent of the outbreak and showed that three further members of the group had respiratory illness but were serologically negative to legionella infection. International participation in this investigation has highlighted the value of a European surveillance scheme and the benefit of microbiological collaboration between legionella reference laboratories in Europe.

Voluntary nature of sustainability disclosures in most of the countries shifts focus of academicians towards discretion of top executives as a major determining force for firms to make their operations environmentally and socially sustainable. Based on two decade literature on the topic available at Scopus database this study aims to present a comprehensive knowledge map of intellectual structure on the relationship of top management characteristics on sustainability spending and disclosures. A bibliometric systematic review of 164 articles from 2002 to 2022 has been conducted with the help of VOSviewer and identified most influential journals, articles, and the countries whose corresponding authors have contributed in the field and influential research clusters in the literature. These research clusters are first, red cluster with 94 articles has discussed the upper echelon's personal and professional characteristics in relation to sustainability disclosures. Second, green cluster with 60 articles has discussed particularly the gender diversity in top executives and board of directors in relationship with sustainability disclosures. Third, blue cluster with 10 articles has elaborated the influence of independent directors on sustainability disclosures of corporate sector. The findings of this study will particularly help the regulators to make regulations regarding critical mass of female on boards and top management, family-owned firms, and politically connected directors. Moreover it will also help consultants, analysts, and investment bankers to differentiate firms with pressure-resistant and pressure-sensitive institutional investors. From this review shareholders can be very much clear in the selection of their representatives and ultimately the appointment of top management team. This study also provides an insight for future direction so that unexplored dimension of this field may further be discovered by upcoming researchers., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Objective: The subject matter discussed in the article presents a very important issue regarding the environmental social responsibility of the young generation. The main objective is to assess the awareness and social and environmental activities implemented in Poland in the field of environmental social responsibility. Project/methodology/approach: The objective of the work was achieved through theoretical and practical analysis. The article analyzes the results of the conducted research and compares the authors' own research with national studies on the presented subject matter. Findings: The work indicates similarities and differences relating to environmental social responsibility. During the analysis of the collected materials, it was noticed that there is a high level of knowledge in the field of environmental protection and great opportunities and willingness, especially of the young generation, to implement environmental projects. Limitations/research implications: The subject matter discussed in the article is very important and up-to-date, therefore research in this area should be published. However, research opportunities are limited, and significant changes occur from year to year. Therefore, there is a need to carry out repeated tests and to expand the area covered. The authors plan to continue conducting both domestic and international research, which will increase the knowledge of the investigated subject matter. Practical implications: Due to the information provided in the article, entrepreneurs can find out what the social demand for eco-friendly products and initiatives is. They can use this knowledge to increase competitiveness and acquire new customers. Social implications: The presented research will influence public awareness in the field of ecology and environmental protection. Recipients will learn about the state's capabilities in terms of environmental protection and what actions they can implement in their immediate surroundings. The article will allow the assessment of own attitudes towards natural resources and their protection. Originality/value: The added value of the article is the opportunity to learn about attitudes and social awareness in various regions of Poland. The presented subject matter is up-to-date and very important in terms of future activities and the functioning of future generations in the city. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to examine the effect of company performance and corporate governance on the disclosure of carbon emissions of manufacturing companies. This study uses secondary data in the form of financial reports and sustainability reports from manufacturing companies that have been listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) for the period 2015 -2022. The data collection technique used a purposive sampling method with a sample of 93 companies. Data analyzed by using panel regression method. The results of this study show that company performance variables have a significant positive effect on disclosure of carbon emissions, but corporate governance variables do not have a significant negative effect on carbon emissions. The study suggests corporate governance will reduce the company's carbon emission levels. Hence, it is very important to enhance the company's corporate governance practices beyond the mandatory matters. This study is one among few studies which have been conducted in Indonesia to examine company performance and corporate governance regarding carbon emissions in the manufacturing industry in Indonesia. This study focuses on examining the manufacturing industry in Indonesia and this research has different results and points of view from previous researches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CEO pay structure critically impacts a wide range of strategic choices, including corporate social irresponsibility (CSI), a pervasive and seriously damaging behavior. While the impact of CEO pay structure on CSI has received attention and focus, existing studies need to pay more attention to the potential role of CEO relative pay structure. Based on the behavioral agency theory, this study examines the impact of CEO underpayment and overpayment on CSI. Using panel data on listed companies in China from 2008 to 2019, we find that relative CEO underpayment is significantly positively correlated with CSI, and relative CEO overpayment is significantly negatively correlated with CSI. In addition, we find that industry-level managerial discretion strengthens the positive (negative) relationship between relative CEO underpayment (overpayment) and CSI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aim to explore the prerequisites for corporate sustainability from the perspective of non-formal institutions such as culture. Specifically, we seek to investigate whether and how Chinese tea culture influences corporate social responsibility (CSR). We have developed an OLS regression model to examine the relationship between tea culture and CSR, and our findings indicate that local tea culture yields positive effects. To address endogeneity concerns related to this correlation, we employed the local geographic slope as an instrumental variable for tea culture. Subsequent research highlights that the female executive, serving as a mediator variable, represents the primary mechanism influenced by tea culture. Furthermore, our study demonstrates that tea culture exerts a more significant impact on small and medium-sized enterprises as well as state-owned enterprises. Overall, this research contributes to the literature on the determinants of CSR from the vantage point of informal institutions, offering a fresh perspective for exploring the economic ramifications of tea culture for both academia and practitioners. Moreover, it furnishes valuable insights for advancing the sustainable development of enterprises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investment and financing decisions are especially important in a family firm context, as family and business dynamics interact to produce unique behaviors that may affect these decisions. However, research on how the family nature of these firms shapes their investment and financing preferences is still lacking. To help fill this gap, this study aims to provide a robust picture of the literature to identify key questions that can help guide future research. Using a systematic approach based on bibliometrics and network analysis of 891 papers published in the Web of Science database between 1992 and 2023, we show the evolution of research in terms of publications and identify the most active and influential articles, authors, and journals. Using bibliographic coupling analysis, the paper reveals the thematic structure and trends of the research. This study provides valuable insights into the future by identifying knowledge gaps and offering guidance to both researchers and practitioners seeking to understand the specific needs and challenges faced by family firms in their investment and financing endeavors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]