Social and environmental reporting in Belgium: 'Pour vivre heureux, vivons cachés'. (December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bouten, Lies; Everaert, Patricia
• Is Part Of: Critical perspectives on accounting. Volume 33(2015)
• Page Start: 24
• Page End: 43
• Publication Date: 2015-12
• Subjects: Accountability -- Logics -- Neo-institutional theory -- Sustainability; Accounting -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Accountants -- Professional ethics -- Periodicals; 657.05
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cpa.2014.10.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1045-2354

Abstract

Abstract: This paper investigates how different social and environmental reporting (SER) practices arise in the context of the emerging sustainability logic. Based on interview evidence gathered in 14 Belgian listed companies with various SER practices, ranging from non-disclosure to substantive reporting, we observe that the degree of development of symbolic and material insensitivity to the prevailing profit-maximizing logic determines the format of the SER practice. More specifically, we find that the presence of either symbolic or material resistance to the emerging sustainability logic can explain the complete absence of SER.