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Abstract
This study explores auditors' understanding of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in audit engagements, aiming to elucidate the complexities and challenges faced in evaluating CSR-related disclosures. The research investigates auditors' comprehension of CSR concepts, challenges encountered in auditing CSR disclosures, the influence of organizational culture, reliance on regulatory frameworks, and the necessity for continuous professional development. Utilizing a qualitative research approach, data was gathered through interviews and literature reviews. Findings reveal a spectrum of understanding among auditors, influenced by factors such as education, training, and organizational culture. Challenges in auditing CSR disclosures include the subjective nature of CSR reporting, lack of standardized frameworks, and difficulties in assessing reliability. Organizational culture significantly shapes auditors' approaches, with ethical cultures prioritizing CSR considerations. Auditors rely on regulatory frameworks, particularly International Standards on Auditing (ISAs), yet face challenges in their application to CSR assurance. Continuous professional development emerges as crucial for enhancing auditors' competencies in auditing CSR activities. This study contributes to understanding the dynamics of CSR auditing, highlighting the importance of addressing challenges and promoting a culture of accountability and sustainability within audit firms.
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References
- Banerjee, S. B. (2007). Corporate social responsibility: The good, the bad and the ugly. Critical Sociology, 33(1/2), 51-79. https://doi.org/10.1163/156916307X155487
- Beattie, V., McInnes, B., & Fearnley, S. (2008). A methodology for analysing and evaluating narratives in annual reports: A comprehensive descriptive profile and metrics for disclosure quality attributes. Accounting Forum, 32(4), 286-307. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.accfor.2008.08.004
- Carroll, A. B. (1991). The pyramid of corporate social responsibility: Toward the moral management of organizational stakeholders. Business Horizons, 34(4), 39-48. https://doi.org/10.1016/0007-6813(91)90005-G
- Carroll, A. B. (1999). Corporate social responsibility: Evolution of a definitional construct. Business & Society, 38(3), 268-295. https://doi.org/10.1177/000765039903800303
- Dangelico, R. M., & Pujari, D. (2010). Mainstreaming green product innovation: Why and how companies integrate environmental sustainability. Journal of Business Ethics, 95(3), 471-486. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-010-0434-9
- Deegan, C., Rankin, M., & Tobin, J. (2002). An examination of the corporate social and environmental disclosures of BHP from 1983-1997: A test of legitimacy theory. Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, 15(3), 312-343. https://doi.org/10.1108/09513570210435852
- Deegan, C., Rankin, M., & Tobin, J. (2002). An examination of the corporate social and environmental disclosures of BHP from 1983-1997: A test of legitimacy theory. Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, 15(3), 312-343. https://doi.org/10.1108/09513570210435852
- Dumay, J., & Cai, L. (2015). Developing an integrated conceptual framework for corporate sustainability reporting. Business Strategy and the Environment, 24(8), 828-848. https://doi.org/10.1002/bse.1835
- Elkington, J. (1997). Cannibals with forks: The triple bottom line of 21st century business. John Wiley & Sons.
- Fombrun, C. J. (2005). Building corporate reputation through CSR initiatives: evolving standards. Corporate Reputation Review, 8(1), 7-11. https://doi.org/10.1057/palgrave.crr.1540239
- Hossain, M., & Reaz, M. (2016). Role of audit quality and corporate governance in mitigating CSR reporting quality risk: Evidence from China. Asian Review of Accounting, 24(1), 53-79. https://doi.org/10.1108/ARA-08-2015-0053
- Hossain, M., Reaz, M., & Tayles, M. (2019). Corporate social responsibility (CSR) and corporate governance (CG): A systematic mapping study. Journal of Business Ethics, 159(1), 39-83. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-018-3862-1
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- IFAC. (2013). Handbook of International Quality Control, Auditing, Review, Other Assurance, and Related Services Pronouncements. International Federation of Accountants.
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- International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB). (2018). Handbook of International Quality Control, Auditing, Review, Other Assurance, and Related Services Pronouncements.
- International Federation of Accountants (IFAC). (2016). International Standards on Auditing (ISAs).
- Kotler, P., & Lee, N. (2005). Corporate social responsibility: Doing the most good for your company and your cause. John Wiley & Sons.
- Laufer, W. S. (2003). Social accountability and corporate greenwashing. Journal of Business Ethics, 43(3), 253-261. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1023331212247
- McWilliams, A., & Siegel, D. (2001). Corporate social responsibility: A theory of the firm perspective. Academy of Management Review, 26(1), 117-127. https://doi.org/10.5465/amr.2001.4011987
- Moon, J. (2004). Government as a driver of corporate social responsibility: The UK in comparative perspective. Corporate Governance: An International Review, 12(2), 162-170. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8683.2004.00375.x
- Porter, M. E., & Kramer, M. R. (2011). Creating shared value. Harvard Business Review, 89(1/2), 62-77.
- Simnett, R., & Huggins, A. L. (2015). Integrated reporting and assurance: where can research add value? Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, 28(7), 1042-1068. https://doi.org/10.1108/AAAJ-05-2015-2042
- Smith, A. (2018). The role of auditors in evaluating Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) disclosures. Journal of Accounting & Organizational Change, 14(4), 522-536. https://doi.org/10.1108/JAOC-02-2017-0012
- Trotman, K. T., Xiao, J. Z., & Yip, P. S. L. (2015). Auditors' understanding of material sustainability information. Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, 28(8), 1298-1327. https://doi.org/10.1108/AAAJ-04-2015-2025
- Visser, W. (2006). Revisiting Carroll’s CSR pyramid: An African perspective. In Business & Society: Critical Perspectives on Corporate Social Responsibility (pp. 1-29). Routledge.
- Waddock, S. A., & Graves, S. B. (1997). The corporate social performance–financial performance link. Strategic Management Journal, 18(4), 303-319. https://doi.org/10.1002/(SICI)1097-0266(199704)18:4<303::AID-SMJ869>3.0.CO;2-G
- Watts, R. L., & Zimmerman, J. L. (1986). Positive accounting theory. Prentice-Hall.
References
Banerjee, S. B. (2007). Corporate social responsibility: The good, the bad and the ugly. Critical Sociology, 33(1/2), 51-79. https://doi.org/10.1163/156916307X155487
Beattie, V., McInnes, B., & Fearnley, S. (2008). A methodology for analysing and evaluating narratives in annual reports: A comprehensive descriptive profile and metrics for disclosure quality attributes. Accounting Forum, 32(4), 286-307. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.accfor.2008.08.004
Carroll, A. B. (1991). The pyramid of corporate social responsibility: Toward the moral management of organizational stakeholders. Business Horizons, 34(4), 39-48. https://doi.org/10.1016/0007-6813(91)90005-G
Carroll, A. B. (1999). Corporate social responsibility: Evolution of a definitional construct. Business & Society, 38(3), 268-295. https://doi.org/10.1177/000765039903800303
Dangelico, R. M., & Pujari, D. (2010). Mainstreaming green product innovation: Why and how companies integrate environmental sustainability. Journal of Business Ethics, 95(3), 471-486. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-010-0434-9
Deegan, C., Rankin, M., & Tobin, J. (2002). An examination of the corporate social and environmental disclosures of BHP from 1983-1997: A test of legitimacy theory. Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, 15(3), 312-343. https://doi.org/10.1108/09513570210435852
Deegan, C., Rankin, M., & Tobin, J. (2002). An examination of the corporate social and environmental disclosures of BHP from 1983-1997: A test of legitimacy theory. Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, 15(3), 312-343. https://doi.org/10.1108/09513570210435852
Dumay, J., & Cai, L. (2015). Developing an integrated conceptual framework for corporate sustainability reporting. Business Strategy and the Environment, 24(8), 828-848. https://doi.org/10.1002/bse.1835
Elkington, J. (1997). Cannibals with forks: The triple bottom line of 21st century business. John Wiley & Sons.
Fombrun, C. J. (2005). Building corporate reputation through CSR initiatives: evolving standards. Corporate Reputation Review, 8(1), 7-11. https://doi.org/10.1057/palgrave.crr.1540239
Hossain, M., & Reaz, M. (2016). Role of audit quality and corporate governance in mitigating CSR reporting quality risk: Evidence from China. Asian Review of Accounting, 24(1), 53-79. https://doi.org/10.1108/ARA-08-2015-0053
Hossain, M., Reaz, M., & Tayles, M. (2019). Corporate social responsibility (CSR) and corporate governance (CG): A systematic mapping study. Journal of Business Ethics, 159(1), 39-83. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-018-3862-1
IAASB. (2018). Handbook of International Quality Control, Auditing, Review, Other Assurance, and Related Services Pronouncements. International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board.
IFAC. (2013). Handbook of International Quality Control, Auditing, Review, Other Assurance, and Related Services Pronouncements. International Federation of Accountants.
IFAC. (2016). International Standards on Auditing (ISAs). International Federation of Accountants.
International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB). (2018). Handbook of International Quality Control, Auditing, Review, Other Assurance, and Related Services Pronouncements.
International Federation of Accountants (IFAC). (2016). International Standards on Auditing (ISAs).
Kotler, P., & Lee, N. (2005). Corporate social responsibility: Doing the most good for your company and your cause. John Wiley & Sons.
Laufer, W. S. (2003). Social accountability and corporate greenwashing. Journal of Business Ethics, 43(3), 253-261. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1023331212247
McWilliams, A., & Siegel, D. (2001). Corporate social responsibility: A theory of the firm perspective. Academy of Management Review, 26(1), 117-127. https://doi.org/10.5465/amr.2001.4011987
Moon, J. (2004). Government as a driver of corporate social responsibility: The UK in comparative perspective. Corporate Governance: An International Review, 12(2), 162-170. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8683.2004.00375.x
Porter, M. E., & Kramer, M. R. (2011). Creating shared value. Harvard Business Review, 89(1/2), 62-77.
Simnett, R., & Huggins, A. L. (2015). Integrated reporting and assurance: where can research add value? Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, 28(7), 1042-1068. https://doi.org/10.1108/AAAJ-05-2015-2042
Smith, A. (2018). The role of auditors in evaluating Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) disclosures. Journal of Accounting & Organizational Change, 14(4), 522-536. https://doi.org/10.1108/JAOC-02-2017-0012
Trotman, K. T., Xiao, J. Z., & Yip, P. S. L. (2015). Auditors' understanding of material sustainability information. Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, 28(8), 1298-1327. https://doi.org/10.1108/AAAJ-04-2015-2025
Visser, W. (2006). Revisiting Carroll’s CSR pyramid: An African perspective. In Business & Society: Critical Perspectives on Corporate Social Responsibility (pp. 1-29). Routledge.
Waddock, S. A., & Graves, S. B. (1997). The corporate social performance–financial performance link. Strategic Management Journal, 18(4), 303-319. https://doi.org/10.1002/(SICI)1097-0266(199704)18:4<303::AID-SMJ869>3.0.CO;2-G
Watts, R. L., & Zimmerman, J. L. (1986). Positive accounting theory. Prentice-Hall.