Corporate governance and corporate social disclosures: a meta-analytical review

• Published in: International journal of accounting and information management Vol. 25; no. 4; pp. 434 - 458
• Main Authors: Majumder, Md. Tofael Hossain, Akter, Aklima, Li, Xiaojing
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bingley Emerald Publishing Limited 02.10.2017; Emerald Group Publishing Limited
• Subjects: Boards of directors; Corporate governance; Corporate responsibility; Developing countries; Directors; Disclosure; Gender; Investigations; LDCs; Meta-analysis; Organizational structure; Outside directors; Social responsibility; Stockholders; Studies; Disclosures; Corporate social responsibility; Corporate governance; Meta-analysis
• ISSN: 1834-7649; 1758-9037
• DOI: 10.1108/IJAIM-01-2017-0005

Purpose This study aims to investigate the association between corporate governance and corporate social disclosures (CSD). Design/methodology/approach Data analysis has been conducted on 29 prior studies published between 2004 and 2016 for the purpose of integrating the findings across studies. The study uses the meta-analysis instrument developed by Hunter et al. (1982). Findings The investigation finds a significant positive association between board size, the frequency of board meetings and auditors’ credibility with CSD. Both the managerial and concentrated ownership have a significant but negative association with CSD. In contrast, board independence, board gender diversity, the composition of non-executive directors, government ownership, foreign ownership and institutional ownership are insignificantly and positively associated with CSD. CEO duality is also insignificant with CSD but indicates a negative association. The study further investigates that the association between board gender diversity and CSD affected by the differences of the country of study. Originality/value This paper adds significance to the extant academic literature as well as assists the appropriate policy maker in assessing the determinants of CSD from the viewpoints of corporate governance. It further aims to reconcile the findings of the previous studies around the world, and also for the developed and developing countries separately.