An understanding of materiality in an integrated reporting context: an application of logics

Abstract

This study is concerned with the adoption of materiality as a key reporting principle in the integrated report. This study investigates how preparers are determining which information is material and ought to be included in their integrated reports. The influence of logics is observed through an investigation of the different conceptualisations of the materiality concept by the preparers of integrated reports. Qualitative data was gathered from interviews with preparers of integrated reports in South Africa. The data was analysed using a grounded theory approach and the interplay between old and new logics that are shaping materiality in integrated reporting was identified. The findings of this research indicate that there are three groups of preparers each embodying different logics. The compliance preparers view integrated reporting as a compliance exercise. The stakeholder-aware preparers are aware that the integrated report should communicate with a wide variety of stakeholders and the interpretive preparer uses the integrated report not only to communicate to stakeholders but to identify weaknesses with in the entity. The findings also indicate that there are variations in practices and understandings of materiality and reveal differing organisational priorities which highlight the extent to which materiality is a social and behavioural phenomenon. The research adds to the limited body of corporate governance research drawing on an interpretive epistemology to explore recent reporting developments in a South African context the findings of this study will be relevant for the current debate about materiality in the integrated report, especially given the emergence of integrated corporate report. Keywords: King 3, GRI, Sustainable reporting, South Africa, Materiality, Institutional Logics, Integrated report.