Adrián Zicari

Value‐added reporting as a tool for sustainability: a Latin American experience

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a collection of ongoing experiences with a value-added reporting model in Latin America, positing its pertinence with regards to CSR accountability. Design/methodology/approach – The paper utilises a qualitative methodology in which a series of semi-structured telephone interviews and/or e-mail questionnaires with managers from six reporting companies in Latin America (Chile, Colombia, Uruguay) was conducted. The fact that one of the authors of this paper created the reporting model facilitated easier access to company managers and a deeper understanding of each situation. A literature review from European, US and Latin American sources provides a framework for discussion. Findings – The paper illustrates how value-added statements (which are based on conventional financial accounting) can provide relevant information for CSR accountability. The variety of experiences shown (different industries and diverse company ownership in separate countries) may suggest the wide potential of this reporting model. Research limitations/implications – As the paper deals with a recent, ongoing experience (this model has been in use for the last six years only), the results have to be treated with caution. Even though many firms are interested in adopting this value-added model, there are currently fewer than 20 reporting firms using it. Social implications – The paper aims to position value distribution and its accountability as relevant issues in CSR, particularly for developing countries. In addition, such an intuitive model might more easily reach the general public, something that rarely happens with conventional CSR reporting models. Originality/value – This is the first academic paper that demonstrates the application of this reporting model (though the authors already published a practitioner-oriented article in Spanish). Furthermore, there are few documented cases of value-added reporting experiences in emerging markets, particularly in Latin America.

Can One Report be Reached? the Challenge of Integrating Different Perspectives on Corporate Performance

Abstract Purpose The chapter aims to analyse the challenges needed in order to achieve the full integration of corporate reporting. Approach As a viewpoint chapter, both theoretical and practical problems are presented. Findings On the theoretical side, there is still an elusive relationship between environmental, social and governance (ESG) indicators and financial performance. Conceptual models are still in the making and a global standard has not yet been achieved. Besides, as each company may have different CSR strategies, it might be difficult to achieve comparability among firms. On the practical side, there might be concerns about materiality of data (what actually merits to be informed) and the potential risks for disclosing additional information to the market. Social implications While the linkage between non-financial and financial results is not yet standard practice, it should be encouraged by stakeholders. The impact of integrated reporting is probably not going to be limited to investors and financial markets, as other stakeholders would have the opportunity to act on the information provided by these documents. Originality/value Integrated reporting is still a concept that is being developed. Thus, this chapter aims to contribute to this ongoing academic and practical debate.

Keys to successful implementation of a French national quality indicator in health care organizations: a qualitative study.

BackgroundSeveral countries have launched public reporting systems based on quality indicators (QIs) to increase transparency and improve quality in health care organizations (HCOs). However, a prerequisite to quality improvement is successful local QI implementation. The aim of this study was to explore the pathway through which a mandatory QI of the French national public reporting system, namely the quality of the anesthesia file (QAF), was put into practice.MethodSeven ethnographic case studies in French HCOs combining in situ observations and 37 semi-structured interviews.ResultsA significant proportion of potential QAF users, such as anesthetists or other health professionals were often unaware of quality data. They were, however, involved in improvement actions to meet the QAF criteria. In fact, three intertwined factors influenced QAF appropriation by anesthesia teams and impacted practice. The first factor was the action of clinical managers (chief anesthetists and head of department) who helped translate public policy into local practice largely by providing legitimacy by highlighting the scientific evidence underlying QAF, achieving consensus among team members, and pointing out the value of QAF as a means of work recognition. The two other factors related to the socio-material context, namely the coherence of information systems and the quality of interpersonal ties within the department.ConclusionsPublic policy tends to focus on the metrological validity of QIs and on ranking methods and overlooks QI implementation. However, effective QI implementation depends on local managerial activity that is often invisible, in interaction with socio-material factors. When developing national quality improvement programs, health authorities might do well to specifically target these clinical managers who act as invaluable mediators. Their key role should be acknowledged and they ought to be provided with adequate resources.

Value distribution in state-owned firms: The case of two companies in Uruguay

Abstract Purpose This chapter presents the cases of two State-owned companies in Uruguay: ANTEL (telephone company) and ANCAP (oil company). Since 2008, these firms have been preparing value-added statements (VAS), a report that shows how value is distributed to stakeholders. Methodology/approach Qualitative methods, particularly interviews, and analysis of documents. Findings VAS reporting became a highly accepted practice in both firms. VAS reports help to better explain the impact of public policies implemented through these companies – a situation that seldom happens in a private firm. This accounting practice is also consistent with the political decision of increasing accountability in State-owned firms. Research limitations Since it is a case study research, we cannot generalize conclusions. This study has focused on the beginnings of this experience; further research may adopt a longitudinal approach by exploring how this accounting practice evolves over time. Practical implications These reports are not much read by external audiences (e.g., members of parliaments, public officials, journalists, NGOs). In a similar vein, these reports have not been used much for internal managerial purposes. The use of VAS reports for both public policy and management purposes remain untapped opportunities to explore. Social implications These companies consider value distribution as a core commitment in their CSR policies and have consequently decided to make that value distribution explicit in a reporting model. Originality There are few studies about VAS reporting in Latin America.

Don’t Judge a Book by Its Cover! Comparative Study of the Adaptation and Evolution of CSR Reporting by Telecommunication Companies in Brazil and South Korea

Abstract Purpose This chapter explores the adaptation and evolution of stand-alone CSR reporting in two different political economies and late-capitalist countries: Brazil and South Korea. Instead of selecting between new institutionalism and the varieties of capitalism (VOC) approach, this study attempts to explore how the interaction between converging and diverging pressures appears in the adaptation and evolution of stand-alone CSR reporting (i.e., cross-fertilization process) in two countries. Design/methodology/approach Using qualitative content analysis this study focuses on the frameworks of CSR reports and the way CSR issues are described within the stand-alone CSR reports of four telecommunication companies in Brazil and South Korea. Findings Even though CSR reports in both countries have become similar due to the convergence of frameworks of CSR reporting, the key themes and the representation on each theme are still embedded within each form of market economy: a hierarchical market economy (HME) in Brazil and a network market economy (NME) in South Korea. From a cross-fertilization perspective, this chapter shows that the adaptation and evolution of CSR reporting occurs at two different levels of CSR reporting. Value This study has three major values. First, it explains the two different levels of the adaptation and evolution process of CSR reporting by bringing a dynamic cross-fertilization view. Second, it provides a qualitative study that focuses on the content of CSR disclosures instead of the quantity of those disclosures. Lastly, it contributes to the academic and practical research on CSR in late-capitalist countries and in two under-researched types of political economies.

Value-Added Statements as a Communication Tool for Stakeholders: The Case of Industrias Peñoles in Mexico

This chapter illustrates the use of a value-added statement (VAS) reporting model by Industrias Penoles, a large mining, industrial, and chemical firm based in Mexico. The firm is quoted in the Mexican Stock Exchange, while one of its subsidiaries is quoted in London. This case study describes the use of a VAS reporting model in the context of stakeholder engagement, which is a particularly relevant issue for a company that operates in a highly sensitive industrial sector. Industrias Penoles uses a VAS model called the Fourth Financial Statement (FFS). The FFS supports dialogue between Industrias Penoles and its stakeholders by providing extensive information about the economic contribution of the company to each category of stakeholders. This chapter presents a longitudinal analysis of Industrias Penoles’ use of the FFS over 9 years (2005–2013), showing how stakeholder participation has evolved over time. Two different sets of stakeholders were identified: one group that enjoys a more stable distribution and another group that receives a more volatile share. This pattern suggests that the company has maintained a consistent policy for value distribution throughout the period. This chapter contributes to the discussion of stakeholder engagement by explaining how the FFS can help to shape and support discussions among stakeholders. This case has managerial and public policy implications as an illustration of a specific corporate policy for value distribution to stakeholders and of how the FFS tool can provide valuable information for public policy decision-making.

Sustainability Indices in Latin America: Can Financial Markets Push for CSR?

Abstract The chapter describes the recent history of Sustainability Indices in three Latin American countries: Brazil, Mexico, and Chile. In these countries, local Stock Exchanges have been recently launching their own Sustainability Indices. This ongoing trend may indicate a particular way of addressing Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) in the region. The chapter relies on secondary data, mainly documents published by the Stock Exchanges themselves, and on some selected academic and practitioner oriented articles. All three countries present some common features. In all cases, local stock markets launched Sustainability Indices, and their composition has been publicly available from the beginning. Consequently, SRI is now developing in the region in a different way from that of developed markets. The chapter is based on secondary data only. Further research may involve interviews and surveys with different stakeholders (i.e., investors, quoted companies, public officials). The illustration of a different way of developing an SRI market may help public officials and investors from other countries, either in Latin America or elsewhere, who intend to promote SRI. There are few studies on SRI in Latin America, and comparative research between different countries in the region is still rare.