The Impact of Firm Characteristics on Corporate Internet Reporting: Evidence from Sri Lankan Listed Companies

Abstract

Corporate Internet Reporting (CIR) is a significant communication phenomenon in the world. Research indicates that there are several CIR issues in developing countries as well as there is a dearth of the studies in the Sri Lankan context. Accordingly, this study is designed to identify the current level of CIR and what are the significant firm characteristics that impact CIR in the Sri Lankan context using a quantitative research approach using secondary data. The level of corporate internet reporting is measured using a disclosure index on CIR. Multiple ordinary least squares regression, multiple ordinal regression and correlation analyses are used to identify the significant determinants of CIR. The results indicate that of 100 companies examined, despite 83% of Sri Lankan companies have their own corporate websites, the overall level of CIR is only 16.2%. The content disclosure sub-score is on average 12.52% and the level of presentation format disclosure sub-score of CIR is 26.88%. Further, the explanatory analyses suggest that variables, auditor size, market capitalization,and the representation of hotel, travel and service industry are significant firm characteristics that impact the level of CIR. Overall, however, mixed evidence is noted. This study addresses the knowledge gap in identifying levels of CIR and firm characteristics and expected to have significant policy implications.

Keywords: Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), Content Items, Corporate Internet Reporting (CIR), Determinants, Listed Companies, Presentation Format