Purpose Adopting agency theory, the purpose of this study is to explore the impact of ownership structure and board of directors’ composition on the extent of tax avoidance strategies. Design/methodology/approach The sample included all of the Jordanian first market companies listed on the Amman Stock Exchange from 2012 to 2017, comprising 348 observations. Findings The main finding of the paper is that tax avoidance is negatively related to managerial and institution ownership structures, which reduces the usage of tax avoidance strategies. Foreign ownership, however, has a positive relation that increases the likelihood of adopting tax avoidance strategies. Practical implications This study has policy implications for policymakers in relation to designing future tax systems to reduce the possibility of engaging in tax avoidance practices. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first of its kind that investigates the effects of the managerial, foreign and institutional ownership classes and board composition on tax avoidance for Jordanian listed companies.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to compare the segmental information disclosures of Jordanian companies under IFRS 8 for 2009 with disclosures under IAS 14R for 2008.Design/methodology/approachA sample of 109 Jordanian companies is used in this research. A disclosure index checklist was constructed to assess the segmental information provided by the sample companies. In particular, the checklist collected information about: the number of segments reported; the number and type of segmental items published; the geographic segment definitions (areas) used; and the identity of the chief operating decision maker (CODM).FindingsThe results suggest that segmental disclosures under IFRS 8 have increased compared to the information published under IAS 14R. There is an increase in the number of companies disclosing segmental information while the number of business and geographic segments for which information is provided rose under IFRS 8. Items required under the previous standard (IAS 14R) are still being provided in 2009, and the new segmental information required (if reviewed by the CODM) under IFRS 8 is also disclosed. As a result, the total number of segmental items disclosed increased. Moreover, a majority of companies identified the CODM as the chief executive officer.Research limitations/implicationsThis research highlights that the introduction of IFRS 8 has been associated with more Jordanian companies now disclosing segmental information. However, factors other than IFRS 8 may have contributed to the increased disclosure; these are not considered in the current paper.Originality/valueThis research shows that IFRS 8 compliance amongst Jordanian first market companies has resulted in an increase in the number of segments and items per segment disclosed.

PurposeUsing agency theory and impression management theory, this study examines the impact of financial performance (FP) and corporate governance (CG) mechanisms on the extent of intellectual capital disclosures (ICDs) and the three components within the CEO statement – human capital (HC), structural capital (SC) and relational capital (RC).Design/methodology/approachThis study employs a sample of non-financial SPF-120 French listed firms to capture the relevant variables; it collects data for 2010–2017, using a panel data technique to run the random effects regressions.FindingsThe study finds that FP, measured using both market (Tobin's q) and accounting (return on equity and return on assets) indicators, plays a vital role in the extent of ICDs and the three components in the CEO statement published by SPF-120 companies. This confirms its impact on the decision-making needs of stakeholders. Among the CG mechanisms, this study finds that cultural diversity and gender diversity affect some ICD components. Moreover, CEO characteristics such as age, education and role duality affect ICD, while institutional ownership drives the extent of such disclosures.Practical implicationsOur findings have comprehensive implications for managers of French listed firms, the Autorité des Marchés Financiers, and stakeholders in general.Originality/valueThis study provides significant insights by investigating the impact of FP, CG and company characteristics on the extent of the ICDs published in CEO statements.

Purpose Drawing on multiple theoretical approaches, this study aims to investigate whether the presence of foreign directors on the board is associated with a company’s carbon emissions performance (CP) and carbon disclosure (CD). Design/methodology/approach The sample comprises 67 non-financial listed firms from the Société des Bourses Françaises 120 index for the period 2010–2018 and the analysis relies on carbon reports from the carbon disclosure project, using a panel data analysis based on random-effects regression. Findings The paper finds that having foreign directors has a positive significant impact on both aspects of carbon emissions (CE), namely, CP and CD. Foreign directors’ incentives to reveal extensive sustainability information depend on the volume of CE. The findings also indicate that foreign directors are more engaged in enhancing environmental transparency and lowering information asymmetry to maintain/ improve corporate legitimacy. Practical implications The findings show that foreign directors play a vital role as one of the main pillars of a carbon model for sustainable carbon activities and disclosure. The evidence has important insights for the managers of French listed firms, shareholders and regulators. Social implications The evidence underlines the value of foreign directors as a critical resource that enhances CE strategic decisions. Thus, the findings are valuable to managers, as they may consider balancing between foreign and local directors to benefit from a rich heterogeneous resource encompassing the diverse merits of both types of directors, with particular emphasis on foreign directors’ international exposure and experience. Originality/value This study offers significant insights, as it examines the relationship between foreign directors and both the CP and CD in the French context, which is characterized by a non-English civil law system and the issuing of many environmental, climate and emission control laws.

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