Accountability of Corporate Boards in Finland Cover Image

Accountability of Corporate Boards in Finland
Accountability of Corporate Boards in Finland

Author(s): Aija Virtanen, Tuomo Takala
Subject(s): Economy, Business Economy / Management, Accounting - Business Administration
Published by: Academia de Studii Economice - Centrul de Cercetare in Administratie si Servicii Publice (CCASP)
Keywords: Corporate Governance; accountability; financial reporting; boards of Finnish listed companies;

Summary/Abstract: This paper focuses on accountability and reporting from a corporate governance (CG) perspective. Drawing on a theoretical framework, empirical analysis was conducted on a dataset collected using a questionnaire implemented with a sample of board members of Finnish listed companies. We had two study questions. 1) To whom are the board members accountable? and 2) What information is required to deliver adequate reporting to meet accountability requirements? The findings show that board members are accountable to shareholders and stakeholders, and their accountability encompasses responsibilities to society and the environment. They see that current financial reporting does not provide sufficient information on ethical, environmental and societal issues. Focusing on board accountability, the study provides empirical evidence to support the concept of accountability and explains the relationship between accountability and reporting in the Finnish context.

  • Issue Year: 8/2016
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 5-24
  • Page Count: 20
  • Language: English