CORPORATE SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DISCLOSURE PRACTICES IN INDIA: EVIDENCE FROM INDIAN LISTED COMPANIES USING GRI AND BRSR FRAMEWORKS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65009/kycfde92Keywords:
Corporate social disclosure, environmental reporting, GRI, BRSR, sustainability, India, NSE,,Abstract
Sustainability and transparency in corporate reporting have emerged as vital components of
responsible governance in the twenty-first century. While numerous studies have explored
sustainability disclosure determinants in developed economies, limited empirical evidence
exists for India—especially after SEBI introduced the Business Responsibility and
Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) framework in 2021–22. This study evaluates the extent and
quality of corporate social and environmental disclosure practices among Indian listed firms
using a composite index derived from Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and BRSR indicators.
Data were collected from 50 Indian listed companies across five sectors for FY 2019–2024.
The study employs content analysis and statistical validation using SPSS. Findings reveal a
steady increase in disclosure intensity following BRSR implementation, with firm size,
profitability and ownership structure emerging as major determinants of disclosure quality. The
study contextualizes international frameworks such as GRI within India’s evolving
sustainability landscape and offers implications for regulators, corporations and investors.
References
Bais, B. (2024). Global Reporting Initiative: Literature review and research agenda.
Journal of Sustainability Accounting, 11(2), 155–170.
Clarkson, P. M., Li, Y., Richardson, G. D., & Vasvari, F. P. (2008). Revisiting the
relation
between environmental performance and disclosure. Accounting,
Organizations and Society, 33(4–5), 303–327.
Debnath, P. (2023). Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting in India:
Challenges and opportunities. Indian Journal of Corporate Affairs, 7(1), 65–78.
Deegan, C. (2002). The legitimising effect of social and environmental disclosures: A
theoretical foundation. Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, 15(3), 282
Gray, R., Kouhy, R., & Lavers, S. (1995). Corporate social and environmental
reporting: A review. Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, 8(2), 47–77.
GRI (2023). GRI Standards 2021: Universal Standards Update. Global Reporting
Initiative.
Gupta, R. (2022). CSR disclosure and firm performance: Evidence from Indian
companies. International Journal of Accounting Research, 9(3), 44–59.
IIMA (2024). Analysis and insights from ESG disclosures submitted by 1,012 Indian
companies. Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad.
ICAI (2023). Background material on Business Responsibility and Sustainability
Reporting (BRSR). The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.
Lu, Y., & Abeysekera, I. (2012). Stakeholder power, corporate characteristics, and
social and environmental disclosure: Evidence from China. Journal of Cleaner
Production, 19(10), 907–917.
Michelon, G. (2011). Sustainability disclosure and reputation: A comparative study.
Corporate Reputation Review, 14(2), 79–96.
Nair, R. (2019). Corporate social responsibility and financial transparency in India.
Asian Journal of Accounting Studies, 4(2), 119–135.
SEBI (2021). Circular on Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting
(BRSR). Securities and Exchange Board of India.
UNCTAD (2023). World Investment Report 2023: Investing in sustainable value
chains. United Nations.
