Anti-bribery disclosures: A response to networked governance. Issue 1 (March 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Islam, Muhammad Azizul; Dissanayake, Thusitha; Dellaportas, Steven; Haque, Shamima
• Is Part Of: Accounting forum. Volume 42:Issue 1(2018)
• Page Start: 3
• Page End: 16
• Publication Date: 2018-03
• Subjects: Bribe -- Responsive regulation -- Media -- Network governance -- NGO; Accounting -- Australia -- Periodicals; Comptabilité -- Australie -- Périodiques; Finances de l'entreprise; Australie; 657.05
• DOI: 10.1016/j.accfor.2016.03.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0155-9982

Abstract

Highlights: The study examines how network governance influences anti-bribery disclosures. 'Network governance' is derived from legitimacy and responsive regulation theories. Anti-bribery reporting is positively associated with the extent of media attention. Anti-bribery reporting is influenced by NGO pressures. Anti-bribery reporting tends to be symbolic rather than substantive. Abstract: This study examined the posited link between networked governance (the activities of NGOs and the media) and the anti-bribery disclosures of two global telecommunication companies. Based on a joint consideration of legitimacy theory, media agenda setting theory and responsive regulation, the findings show that anti-bribery disclosures are positively associated with the activities of the media and NGO initiatives. The findings also show that companies make anti-bribery disclosures to maintain symbolic legitimacy but are less prominent in effecting a substantive change in their accountability practices.