Relationship between online corporate governance and transparency disclosures and board composition: evidence from JSE listed companies

In the aftermath of corporate collapses and scandals, transparent communication with stakeholders is vital in rebuilding trust. Notwithstanding sound theoretical arguments advocating the importance of board diversity, e.g. improved corporate governance, empirical results remained mixed. The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of board composition on companies’ use of their websites as voluntary communication channel for corporate governance and transparency disclosures. A quantitative methodology was used to measure corporate governance and transparency disclosures available on corporate websites for a sample of JSE-listed companies. By means of multiple regression analysis, findings showed that companies with more board members, a higher percentage of female directors and directors over the age of 50 years excel in the disclosure of corporate governance and transparency-related information. Pertaining to strategic information, companies with more independent non-executive directors disclosed more strategic information and companies with more ethnic directors scored higher on attempts to level the accessibility of information to all stakeholders. Overall, the findings, therefore, suggest that as board diversity may improve both corporate governance and transparency; stakeholders may also benefit from well-diversified boards. Finally, support is provided for the Employment equity and Broad-based employment equity Acts, as well as the Women Empowerment and Gender Equality Bill implemented in South Africa to encourage more gender and ethnic diversity.