Perception of stakeholders on web‐based corporate reporting practices

Purpose – Web‐based corporate reporting has emerged as a new mode of communication between companies and stakeholders. The purpose of this research is to assess the perception of various stakeholders on adequacy, usefulness and the future of web‐based corporate reporting. Design/methodology/approach – A questionnaire was administered to 255 respondents and factor analysis was applied to analyse the data. Findings – Factor analysis identified eight factors, which describe stakeholders’ perceptions about web‐based corporate reporting. These include usefulness of web reporting, future prospects, legal acceptability, adequacy of information, usefulness for investment decision, standardisation of content, mandatory requirement and substitute for traditional reporting. Practical implications – The research findings will guide companies, regulators and service providers to deliver better information to stakeholders through disclosures on corporate websites. Originality/value – The paper provides an insight into stakeholders’ beliefs and perceptions with respect to web reporting practices by companies and the future of these practices.