Forward-looking disclosures in integrated reporting : evidence from Poland

Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of the paper is to identify and evaluate forward-looking disclosures in integrated reports published by Polish companies. The article uses the results of literature studies on the subject, the results of previous research, and observations of business practice in the area of integrated reporting.

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The quantitative and qualitative content analysis of forward-looking disclosures in integrated reporting was performed in order to assess the current status of integrated reports prepared by Polish companies. The analysis covered 73 integrated reports prepared in the years 2016-2019.

FINDINGS: The findings proved that most of the items of future disclosures has the nature of qualitative narrations regarding strategy, information on growth opportunities, industry or market risk, environmental risk, while less attention was paid to investment projects, product research and development plans and financial risk; the analysis also indicated the level of association between current company financial performance and the quality of forwardlooking disclosure of integrated reporting.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The results of the study complement the research gap of current literature on integrated reporting and forward-looking disclosures in Polish practice.

ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The research presented in the article contributes to the current literature on integrated reporting by identifying the level of forward-looking disclosures in the examined integrated reports and is aimed at presenting a critical interpretative perspective. The findings of the research may provide the basis for proposing the use of different tools (such as management accounting tools e.g. balanced scorecard (BSC)) for the development and presentation of forward-looking disclosures.