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An investigation of TBL report assurance statements: UK and European evidence

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-20, 13:33 authored by Craig DeeganCraig Deegan, Cooper, BJ, Marita, S
Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to document a study of European and UK triple bottom line (TBL) report assurance statements.

Design/methodology/approach

In undertaking the research, an international database was constructed from which all known European and UK third‐party assurance statements that accompanied the release of TBL reports were selected for review.

Findings

The results of the analysis indicate that there is much variability and ambiguity inherent within the contents of the third‐party statements.

Research limitations/implications

The UK and European reports included within the database compiled by the researchers provide the basis of the information used to develop this paper. In selecting assurance statements to include within the database, the latest TBL report from each reporting organization was obtained (and it should be appreciated that many organizations do not produce TBL reports on an annual basis). Of the 170 reports available internationally at the time the research was undertaken, 8 are from 2000, 86 from 2001, 65 from 2002, and 11 from 2003. Whilst the database is the most extensive one of its type, given the finite nature of resources available, it is stressed that the database is not exhaustive.

Practical implications

Taken together, the results of this analysis lead us to question the value that such assurance statements provide to the TBL reporting process.

Originality/value

Assesses the ambiguity and questions the value of assurance work on TBL statements as currently being undertaken.

History

Publication title

Managerial Auditing Journal

Volume

21

Issue

4

Pagination

329-371

ISSN

0268-6902

Department/School

TSBE

Publisher

Emerald Publishing Limited

Place of publication

United Kingdom

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Expanding knowledge in commerce, management, tourism and services

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