Evolving role of integrated reporting in sustainability and governance practices: a bibliometric analysis and future research insights

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to investigate the relationship between integrated reporting (IR) and various aspects of corporate governance through a systematic analysis of existing literature. It highlights critical areas where IR contributes significantly to enhancing firm value. Design/methodology/approach This study investigates the relationship between IR and various aspects of corporate governance through a systematic bibliometric analysis of Scopus-indexed literature; it also highlights critical areas where IR contributes significantly to enhancing firm value. Using tools like the bibliometric R-package and VOSviewer, 577 Scopus-indexed research papers were analyzed to identify the most impactful journals, countries and publications in this field, including prominent contributors and prevailing thematic trends. Findings The bibliographic coupling and thematic mapping reveal a notable growth in IR literature from 2018 to 2020 and a resurgence from 2023 onward. Four key thematic clusters emerge, i.e. IR and sustainability, IR and capital markets, IR and quality assurance and IR and value creation. Future research should delve into IR’s role in mitigating greenwashing, corporate culture, decision-making and technological integrations, emphasizing multinational approaches to enhance global insights into IR’s contribution to corporate sustainability and governance. Originality/value This paper contributes to the literature on IR by highlighting the existing and potential contribution of IR in various dimensions of corporate governance in environmental, social and governance factors in strategic decision-making to achieve long-term value creation of firms.