Reporting and disclosure of SDG5 gender equality: a comparative study between Western and Eastern European companies

Purpose This study aims to investigate gender equality reporting and disclosure in Europe from a bidimensional perspective. First, it explores the Western versus Eastern cultural context, and second, it compares the substantive versus symbolic legitimacy strategy of disclosure. Design/methodology/approach The authors performed a qualitative analysis using a two-step approach. First, using deductive content analysis, the authors highlight which gender equality issues are the most disclosed. Second, an inductive thematic content analysis reveals the approaches most followed in disclosing gender equality. Findings The findings indicate the most significant gender information companies disclose: reporting of their management strategies for promoting gender equality, efforts directed towards achieving gender equality, practices and policies implemented to prevent gender inequality and prevention of gender stereotypes. Furthermore, companies use diverse disclosure patterns from a legitimacy perspective. Companies in Western Europe prefer a more serious approach that shows their dedication to anti-discrimination laws, gender equality and efforts to increase the number of women in leadership positions. Companies in Eastern Europe tend to share information more symbolically. Research limitations/implications Firstly, the sample was limited to the top 10 companies listed on Bucharest Stock Exchange and Amsterdam Stock Exchange. Hence, future investigations should consider broadening the scope of the study to investigate other companies and categories. Furthermore, this study specifically concentrated on 2022 to maximise the number of observations. Future research should include longitudinal analysis, encompassing subsequent years as the progress towards achieving disclosure on gender equality. Practical implications The findings can enhance comprehension of gender equality and corporate transparency about diversity, equity and inclusion choices by firms, considering the introduction of new obligatory regulations within the European Union (EU) and their expansion to encompass a broader company base. Originality/value This paper debates an less explored topic: gender equality reporting and disclosure in the EU context.