The effect of changes in sustainability reporting rules on the clarity of the CSR reports

Idea: The objective of this research is to determine to what extent the sustainability reporting is in line with the Clarity principle included in the GRI guidelines. Data: We analysed the quantitative indicators proposed by Global Reporting Initiative guidelines (as a tool of non-financial performance) published by a number of 14 environmentally-sensitive organisations included in the Pilot Programme of the International Integrated Reporting Council in three moments of time (2010, 2013 and 2016). Tools: Using content analysis, we determined an annual score of information clarity for each organization. What's new: The results of the research show that after switching to integrated reporting in 2013 the score of information clarity was improved for 64% of the companies. Nine of the organizations have a degree of information clarity for the reports published in 2013 and 2016 higher than for those published in 2010. For four organizations (29%) the score of information clarity remained the same for all the three periods under investigation. So what: The impact of our research is that we show how companies can improve their sustainability reporting. Contribution: The representatives of the organizations can see how the compliance with the guidelines is assessed (in our case, the compliance with the clarity principle) and can improve their reporting process. A better reporting can have a positive effect on the organization's reputation, profit and customer loyalty.