Corporate Governance and Sustainability Disclosure: Evidence from Listed Industrial Goods Firms in Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined the effect of corporate governance on sustainability disclosures. The data regarding corporate governance and sustainability reporting were gathered from annual report and accounts of 12 listed industrial goods companies on the Nigerian Stock Exchange for the period 2010-2017. Sustainability disclosure index was developed using the Global Reporting Initiatives (GRI) guidelines to score the information content of annual reports relating to sustainability performance. The study used descriptive and inferential (ordinary least square regression) statistical techniques to analyse the data gathered. The study concludes that large board size with independence is able to monitor and control management decisions on sustainability matter to bring about better sustainability reporting. Similarly, the presence of CSR committee was found to result in improved sustainability disclosure. The findings of the study imply that corporate governance elements are important factors affecting the level of sustainability disclosure among listed Nigerian industrial goods companies.

Keywords: Corporate Governance; Sustainability Reporting; Listed Industrial Goods Companies; Global Reporting Initiative, Nigeria

JEL Classification: M41