Gli indicatori economici, ambientali e sociali nei rendiconti di sostenibilità delle società quotate alla Borsa italiana

Abstract

Our paper aims to achieve two main objectives. First of all, in order to identify the most accounted economic, environmental and social indicators, we used the content analysis to examine the GRI-based sustainability report issued by companies listed on the Italian Stock Exchange. Secondly, we aimed to verify the extent some variables related to profitability, size and sector can explain the behavior of companies according to the number and type of indicators presented, as well as how it usually takes place. Moreover our research was motivated by the fact that in literature there are very few studies that have analyzed the adoption of GRI indicators in the sustainability reports. Unlike others, this study outlines, through the regression trees technique, what characteristics diversify companies in the use of GRI indicators. The results show the widespread use of those indicators, with relevant levels of disclosure. The most used category of indicators is the one related to the Working Practices, followed by Economic and Environmental ones. Finally, we can say that the ROE and the business sector of the companies played a significant role considering their classification related to the different number and type of accounted indicators