Influence of board composition on the level of SDG reporting of Chilean listed companies

Abstract

Purpose: To analyze the influence of board composition on the level of disclosure of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in listed Chilean companies, in order to identify preliminary patterns that improve understanding of the variables associated with this sustainability transparency.

Methodology: A quantitative approach was used, with a non-confirmatory explanatory scope aimed at identifying significant relationship patterns. The influence of board characteristics on SDG disclosure in companies' integrated reports was examined using an ordinary least squares (OLS) regression model.

Results: The size of the board and its proportion of women had a positive and significant influence on the level of SDG disclosure. According to legitimacy theory, belonging to sectors that are sensitive to sustainability and applying the GRI standard also had a significant influence on such disclosure.

Implications: The results indicate the importance of strengthening the role of regulatory bodies in implementing sustainability regulatory frameworks and promoting corporate governance policies that improve transparency with the SDGs.

Originality: Providing empirical evidence on the relationship between board composition and sustainability disclosure in the context of Chilean market regulation, contributing to the development of an emerging line of research in Latin America.