Bridging Stakeholders’ Expectations Gap: The Role of Sustainability Reporting of Listed Firms in Nigeria

Abstract

Studies have shown that expectation gaps among stakeholders have resulted into information asymmetry. In view of this, this study investigated the role of sustainability reporting in bridging the stakeholders’ expectation gaps in Nigeria. The study adopted cross sectional survey research design, and used online structured questionnaire to collect primary data. 150 copies of questionnaire were distributed, out of which 138 copies were returned. Data obtained from the respondent were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The regression result from hypothesis one revealed that sustainability reporting practices has significant role in improving the disclosure of information regarding business activities in Nigeria (Adj. R2 =0.545; F = 58. 176; p =0.001<0.05 ), while that of hypothesis two showed that sustainability reporting practices is an effective tool for effectively bridging the gaps in stakeholder expectations within Nigerian businesses ( Adj.R2 =0.565; F = 75.112; p = 0.001 <0.05 ).The regression result from hypothesis one revealed that sustainability reporting practices has significant role in improving the disclosure of information regarding business activities in Nigeria, while that of hypothesis two showed that sustainability reporting practices is an effective tool for effectively bridging the gaps in stakeholder expectations within Nigerian businesses. Hence, the study concluded that adoption of sustainability reporting can significantly strengthen the trust of the stakeholders thereby contributing to bridge their expectation’s gap. The study recommended that corporate organizations should regard sustainability reporting as a strategic instrument for promoting transparency and accountability.