SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF AUSTRALIAN AND CANADIAN OIL AND GAS FIRMS: AN INFORMATION COSTS PERSPECTIVE

Authors

  • Inderpal Singh Curtin University of Technology
  • J-L W Mitchell Van der Zahn Curtin University of Technology

Abstract

Using an information economics framework and a 47-item disclosure index, two determinants (proceeds from share issue and trading volume of shares during the fiscal year) of social and environmental disclosure of 53 Australian and 48 Canadian oil and gas firms were empirically examined. Results indicated that only one information cost proxy (proceeds from share issue) is a significant determinant of the extent of social and environmental disclosure amongst the sample. However, the directional sign of proceeds from share issue was contrary to expectations. Results indicate that firm size is the dominant factor determining the extent of social and environmental disclosure practices in the oil and gas industry. Whilst the empirical findings may not provide overwhelming support for the predicted outcomes, the study is a starting point for exploring alternative theoretical models to explain the type and extent of social and environmental disclosure.

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Published

2007-06-30

How to Cite

Singh, I. . ., & Zahn, J.-L. W. M. V. der . (2007). SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF AUSTRALIAN AND CANADIAN OIL AND GAS FIRMS: AN INFORMATION COSTS PERSPECTIVE. The Journal of Contemporary Issues in Business and Government, 13(1), 57–75. Retrieved from https://cibgp.com/au/index.php/1323-6903/article/view/23

Issue

Vol. 13 No. 1 (2007): The journal of contemporary issues in business and government

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Articles

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Copyright (c) 2007 The journal of contemporary issues in business and government

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