Accounting for Environment and Society

Focus

This subgroup examines the effectiveness of various sustainability reporting frameworks, methodologies, and best practices for conducting robust assurance. We explore the role of audit firms and certification bodies in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of sustainability reports, aiming to set new standards in transparency. Our research conducts comparative analysis of global reporting standards, assessing their applicability and effectiveness across different industries.

Impact

Our research highlights how accurate and reliable sustainability reporting influences investor decisions, regulatory compliance, and public perception. This theme is crucial for enhancing transparency, accountability, and sustainable business practices, ultimately fostering trust and integrity in corporate reporting. By providing empirical evidence on the benefits of robust sustainability reporting, we aim to drive policy changes and encourage more organizations to adopt comprehensive reporting practices.

Outcomes:

• de Villiers, C., Dumay, J., Farneti, F., Jia, J., & Li, Z. (2024). Does mandating corporate social and environmental disclosure improve social and environmental performance?: Broad-based evidence regarding the effectiveness of directive 2014/95/EU. The British Accounting Review, 56(6), 101437.
• Bose, S., & Hossain, A. (2024). Does Integrated Report Quality Matter for Supplier Financing? Journal of International Accounting Research. 23(2), 1-31. https://doi.org/10.2308/JIAR-2022-049
• Saha, A., Bose, S., & Khan, H. Z. (2024). Does Readability of Textual Disclosures in Modern Slavery Reports Pay Off? Evidence from a Regulatory Setting. Accounting in Europe. 1-31. https://doi.org/10.1080/17449480.2024.2364654
• Bradbury, M., Jia, J., & Li, Z. (2022). Corporate social responsibility committees and the use of corporate social responsibility assurance services. Journal of Contemporary Accounting & Economics, 18(2), 100317.
• Zhou, X., Ying, S. X., You, J., Wu, H. (2024). Like parent, like child: MNCs CSR and their foreign subsidiaries environmental footprint, Journal of Business Research.

Focus

This subgroup focuses on how organizations measure, report, and manage their impacts on climate change. We develop and apply methods to account for greenhouse gas emissions and assess the financial implications of climate risks, providing tools for better environmental stewardship. Our research includes the development of innovative accounting models for carbon footprint analysis and the integration of climate risk assessments into financial reporting.

Impact

Our research examines regulatory frameworks, corporate governance practices, and stakeholder demands related to climate disclosure, helping organizations navigate the complexities of climate accountability and align their strategies with global sustainability goals. By identifying best practices and gaps in current climate reporting, we support businesses in enhancing their climate resilience and meeting regulatory requirements.

Outcomes

• Bose, S., Lim, E. K., Minnick, K., & Shams, S. (2023). Do foreign institutional investors influence corporate climate change disclosure quality? International evidence. Corporate Governance: An International Review.
• Chua WF, Fiedler T, Boedker C, 'Projecting, infrastructuring and calculating: From an In vitro to an In vivo carbon market', Accounting, Organizations and Society, 112
• Zhou X, Ying SX, You J, Wu H, 'Like parent, like child: MNCs' CSR and their foreign subsidiaries' environmental footprint', Journal of Business Research, 172
• Bose, S., Lim, E. K., Minnick, K., Schorno, P., & Shams, S. (2024). Does Carbon Risk Influence Stock Price Crash Risk? International Evidence. Journal of Business Finance and Accounting.
• Bose, S., Cahan, S., Dhole, S., & Mishra, S. (2024). Does Customer Focus Influence Firms’ Climate-Change Reporting Decisions? The Role of Market-Driven Corporate Culture. Journal of Business Finance and Accounting. 1-51, https://doi.org/110.1111/jbfa.12841
• Bose, S., Shams, S. Ali, S., Mamun, A. A., & Chang, M. (2024). Economic Policy Uncertainty, Carbon Emissions and Firm Valuation: International Evidence. The British Accounting Review, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bar.2024.101453

Focus

This subgroup investigates management control systems and performance measurement systems in organizations. We study their impact on employees’ behavior, including creativity, performance, and motivation, to identify practices that enhance both efficiency and employee satisfaction. Our research explores the use of balanced scorecards, key performance indicators (KPIs), and other performance measurement tools to drive strategic alignment and operational excellence.

Impact

Our findings provide insights into how management accounting practices can be optimized to enhance organizational performance and employee well-being, supporting the development of more adaptive and resilient business models. By examining the psychological and behavioral effects of different control systems, we offer recommendations for creating work environments that foster innovation and high performance.

Outcomes

• Appuhami R, Bhuiyan F, Boedker C, (2024). 'Navigating frugality and creativity urgencies: the role of diagnostic use of budgets and goal clarity', Journal of Management Control, 35 235-264
• Boedker C, Chong K-M, Mouritsen J, (2020). 'The counter-performativity of calculative practices: Mobilising rankings of intellectual capital', CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON ACCOUNTING, 72
• Australian Workplace Index Project: The Australian Workplace Index is a benchmarking project that delivers executives future-focused business insights and intelligence in the areas of leadership, wellbeing, and productivity (https://www.australianworkplaceindex.com.au/#More

Focus

This subgroup aims to better understand the factors driving financial literacy and tax behaviors, as well as their impacts on individuals and businesses. We focus on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and not-for-profit organizations, offering tailored insights to these critical sectors. Our research includes surveys and case studies to identify barriers to financial literacy and effective tax compliance, and the development of educational programs to address these challenges.

Impact

Our research informs communities, businesses, and policymakers about the importance of financial skills, tax knowledge, and behavioral insights. We provide guidance on how to effectively use these insights to improve decisions and policies related to financial and tax activities, promoting economic stability and growth. By collaborating with local governments, banking services and educational institutions, we aim to enhance financial literacy and tax compliance across diverse populations.

Outcomes:

• Boedker C. and Wu C. (2022), Financial Wellbeing and General Life Satisfaction in Australia, Greater Bank, ISBN: 978-0-6454495-0-1.
• Long, W., Wu, H., Li, L., Ying, S. X., Li, S., (2024). Mixed-ownership structure, non-state-blockholder coalition, and tax avoidance, International Review of Financial Analysis, 91.
• Chu V, Luke B, 'NPO Web-Based Accountability: How Can We Know If NPOs Are Doing Good Things?', NONPROFIT AND VOLUNTARY SECTOR QUARTERLY, 52 75-105 (2023)
• Handley K, Molloy C, 'SME corporate governance: a literature review of informal mechanisms for governance', Meditari Accountancy Research, 30 310-333 (2022)
• Wu X, Ying SX, You J, Wu X, Wu H, 'The effect of big data-driven tax enforcement on audit pricing: Evidence from China', The British Accounting Review, 101531-101531