Start Date
11-8-2016
Description
Even though accurate and reliable data underpins the implementation of effective sustainability initiatives, sustainability reporting and regulatory compliance, it is not clear whether firms are equipped to meet these requirements. This study, using a qualitative methodology, analyses the state of practice of current information systems in supporting sustainability performance reporting in Australia and the nature of their adaptation. Study found the use of stand-alone moderately customized sustainability information systems and spreadsheets for capturing and reporting mandatory information, with processes primarily focusing on mandatory reporting. With sustainability information typically dispersed and disaggregated, inefficiency of manual processes, inability to measure sustainability information at operational level, sustainability information cycle out-of-sync with accounts payable and financial reporting cycle, differences in the nature and frequency of information required for sustainability reporting, and limited impact of current systems on sustainability performance are some of the challenges, identified in the study.
Recommended Citation
Seethamraju, Ravi and Frost, Geoff, "Information Systems for Sustainability Reporting - A State of Practice" (2016). AMCIS 2016 Proceedings. 1.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/amcis2016/AccountingIS/Presentations/1
Information Systems for Sustainability Reporting - A State of Practice
Even though accurate and reliable data underpins the implementation of effective sustainability initiatives, sustainability reporting and regulatory compliance, it is not clear whether firms are equipped to meet these requirements. This study, using a qualitative methodology, analyses the state of practice of current information systems in supporting sustainability performance reporting in Australia and the nature of their adaptation. Study found the use of stand-alone moderately customized sustainability information systems and spreadsheets for capturing and reporting mandatory information, with processes primarily focusing on mandatory reporting. With sustainability information typically dispersed and disaggregated, inefficiency of manual processes, inability to measure sustainability information at operational level, sustainability information cycle out-of-sync with accounts payable and financial reporting cycle, differences in the nature and frequency of information required for sustainability reporting, and limited impact of current systems on sustainability performance are some of the challenges, identified in the study.