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Big data analytics in sustainability reports: an analysis based on the perceived credibility of corporate published information

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  • Jonas Wanner

    (Julius-Maximilians-University Würzburg)

  • Christian Janiesch

    (Julius-Maximilians-University Würzburg)

Abstract

The credibility of sustainability reports has been the subject of scientific research for several years. The problem is often referred to as the so-called credibility gap, which is based on information asymmetries. The situation is further complicated by the limited rationality of human action as improvements to reports do not necessarily translate into credibility gains. Research has proposed and extracted several methods to overcome the issue. Hitherto, most approaches to solve the problem focused on marketing-oriented approaches. This work takes a new approach and explores the extent to which information technology can increase credibility using the potential of big data analytics. We base our research on the relationship of the quality of information and on the perception of objective truth as postulated in the Habermas Theory of Communicative Action. We use the forecast-oriented Partial Least Squares Methodology for the review of hypotheses extracted from literature and expert surveys. The result confirms potential of the criteria of volume and veracity while velocity and variety do not yield comparable potential concerning sustainability reporting.

Suggested Citation

  • Jonas Wanner & Christian Janiesch, 2019. "Big data analytics in sustainability reports: an analysis based on the perceived credibility of corporate published information," Business Research, Springer;German Academic Association for Business Research, vol. 12(1), pages 143-173, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:busres:v:12:y:2019:i:1:d:10.1007_s40685-019-0088-4
    DOI: 10.1007/s40685-019-0088-4
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    4. Hans Ulrich Buhl & Valerie Graf-Drasch & Christian Wiethe, 2023. "What to say and what to do: the disparity of the communication and investment in sustainability targets, given customer expectations," Journal of Business Economics, Springer, vol. 93(3), pages 485-507, April.
    5. Elena Ionașcu & Marilena Mironiuc & Ion Anghel & Maria Carmen Huian, 2020. "The Involvement of Real Estate Companies in Sustainable Development—An Analysis from the SDGs Reporting Perspective," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(3), pages 1-24, January.
    6. Michele Galeotti & Rosa Lombardi & Paola Paoloni & Fabiana Roberto, 2022. "Big data and sustainability reports: The current approach to non-accounting data management," MANAGEMENT CONTROL, FrancoAngeli Editore, vol. 2022(2 Suppl.), pages 95-116.
    7. Patrick Velte, 2022. "Archival research on integrated reporting: a systematic review of main drivers and the impact of integrated reporting on firm value," Journal of Management & Governance, Springer;Accademia Italiana di Economia Aziendale (AIDEA), vol. 26(3), pages 997-1061, September.
    8. Paulo Peças & Lenin John & Inês Ribeiro & António J. Baptista & Sara M. Pinto & Rui Dias & Juan Henriques & Marco Estrela & André Pilastri & Fernando Cunha, 2023. "Holistic Framework to Data-Driven Sustainability Assessment," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-21, February.
    9. Xiao, Xinning & Shailer, Greg, 2022. "Stakeholders’ perceptions of factors affecting the credibility of sustainability reports," The British Accounting Review, Elsevier, vol. 54(1).

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