Corporate water disclosure practices in Bangladesh: an exploration

Purpose This paper examines corporate water disclosure in Bangladesh, an emerging economy, shedding light on how companies communicate water-related information. Design/methodology/approach To achieve this objective, both form-oriented and meaning-oriented content analyses were conducted on water-related disclosures found in Bangladeshi companies’ annual reports. The findings were interpreted using Suchman's (1995) framework of legitimacy, encompassing pragmatic, moral, and cognitive perspectives. Findings The analysis revealed that corporate water disclosure in Bangladesh is minimal, with only a few companies reporting on water-related issues. Key areas of disclosure included water sources, management, pollution, consumption, CSR activities related to water, and water-related products. Companies primarily aimed to establish pragmatic and moral legitimacy through their disclosures. Research limitations/implications The paper's findings contribute to the corporate water disclosure literature by examining empirical data from annual reports of corporations in a transitional economy. SDG 6 emphasizes access to clean water, and corporate water reporting can significantly contribute to achieving this goal, as the water management systems of the corporations are highlighted in these reports. This paper highlights concerns that need to be addressed by both report preparers and practitioners for water disclosure to be successfully implemented. Originality/value By exploring corporate water disclosure in an emerging economy, Bangladesh, this study addresses a gap in the existing literature. The dual application of form-oriented and meaning-oriented content analyses not only examines what information was disclosed but also how it was presented. Additionally, the study's interpretation through the lens of Suchman’s (1995) legitimacy forms offers a unique perspective on corporate water disclosure practices.