The impact of big data analytics on the sustainability reports quality

Due to advances in data collection and processing technologies, companies have begun using emerging technologies, including big data analytics (BDA), to produce sustainability reports. This study seeks to determine the impact of BDA on the quality of sustainability reports. The initial study population that was targeted represented all Jordanian companies listed on the Amman Stock Exchange. Companies that prepare sustainability reports were selected for inclusion in the study sample. Our results indicate that BDA contributes to the quality of sustainability reporting by improving data collection and integration, real-time data analysis, stakeholders’ engagement, detailed reporting, supporting predictive and perspective analytics, predictive modelling, solutions for advanced strategic planning. While BDA brings a new level of efficiency to organizations, it also raises issues of transparency, ethics, and governance. Accuracy and integrity can be achieved by balancing the use of automated systems with embedded human decision-making skills, along with strict standard risk management policies. Overall, however, big data solutions have tremendous potential to enhance the value, relevance, timeliness, and completeness of sustainability disclosures required by stakeholders.