A study of external pressure group influence on corporate social disclosure

This research provides additional empirical evidence for a previous study into external pressure group influences on corporate social disclosure (Tilt 1994) and extends the investigation to include recent increases in anticorporate activism, corporate social responsiveness and mandatory reporting regulations. The results reveal a relative consistency in pressure group viewpoints regarding corporate social disclosure across time, and show that pressure groups view corporate social disclosure as insufficient, even when relevant, and requiring greater mandatory regulation. Although groups do attempt to influence corporate social disclosure this is primarily through indirect means. Overall, Australian external pressure groups do not appear to be satisfied with the results of any influence given their increased activities over time and the perceived insufficiencies and deficiencies of available corporate social disclosure.