Corporate Integrated Reporting in Canada: Are the Businesses Ready?
41 Pages Posted: 30 Nov 2014 Last revised: 4 Dec 2014
Date Written: October 30, 2014
Abstract
This study takes a first step towards addressing the influence of integrated reporting (IR) at the firm level. It provides a down-to-earth picture of how corporate practitioners and non-corporate practitioners perceive IR as well as its development in Canada, aiming to figure out where the Canadian companies are with respect to IR and what the implications of the situation to the boards of directors in discharging their responsibilities. The research uses qualitative interviews as the main research method. The research shows that Canadian business in general has not adequately prepared itself in terms of knowledge, mindset, and resources for a more integrated model of corporate reporting. The research also finds that Canadian boards of directors may face two legal dilemmas associated with integrated reporting. One is the challenge towards directors’ fiduciary duty; the other is potential liability with forward-looking statement. In conclusion, the research recommends the adoption of a more integrated corporate governance approach regardless whether or not corporate leaders choose to practice IR. Overall, the study puts forward a series of suggestions for corporate directors to further the move of integration.
Keywords: Integrated Reporting, corporate reporting, boards of directors, integrated governance
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