Connectivity in Integrated Report: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

This study aims to provide a thorough and critical review of the existing studies investigating the connectivity feature of integrated reports (IR). The paper goes beyond adoption and pays special attention to the core concept of connectivity reflected from integrative thinking embedded in the process of producing firm IR. A classification model is developed to provide insights into theories, methods, factors and effects that have been used in previous studies. A systematic literature review was conducted on 28 articles published in top journals rated 3, 4 and 4* as set by Academic Journal Guide (AJG) 2021. A search was performed on Scopus and Web of Science (WOS) databases covering the year 2013 until 2022. In terms of theoretical review, findings indicate there has been an overreliance on certain theories particularly agency, legitimacy and stakeholders which creates a gap that may restrict the scope of IR connectivity research. The methodological review uncovered a substantial amount of evidence from South Africa and international public listed firms under the IIRC database. Additionally, when considering factors and effects, researchers exhibit greater interest in examining firms over country-level governance. Ultimately, there is a rising interest in exploring connectivity reported in firm IR.

Keywords: Integrated thinking; connectivity; integrated reporting