A Systematic Review of Integrated Reporting Literature: Themes, Insights, and Future Research Pathways
Sharoar Khan*
Department of Arts and Sciences
Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology,
Dhaka, Bangladesh
Md. Jamil Sharif
Department of Accounting and Information Systems,
University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
DOI: https://doi.org/10.63817/jmagp.02.2025.003
Received February 18, 2025
Revised March 15, 2025
April 10, 2025
Accepted April 15, 2025
Abstract
Purpose/Objective – This study conducts a systematic literature review (SLR) on Integrated Reporting (IR) to achieve six key objectives: (1) examining the level of IR adoption, (2) identifying its determinants, (3) detecting factors influencing Integrated Reporting Quality (IRQ), (4) assessing the value relevance of IR, (5) evaluating its impact on the cost of capital, and (6) exploring barriers to its implementation.
Methodology/Approach – Using the SLR approach, 80 articles were selected based on keywords that precisely aligned with these research objectives. Furthermore, graphical analyses of adoption style, research question-wise article distribution, publication trends, and analysis of
Scopus indexing are presented.
Results/Findings – Many countries adopted IR into their corporate reporting frameworks driven by its benefits. Country-level factors such as culture, governance, legal systems, and societal values, with firm-level and corporate governance (CG) attributes, significantly influence IR adoption and IRQ. Many studies reveal a positive correlation between IR and firm value, while a negative relationship between IR and the cost of capital. Key barriers to IR implementation include high costs, limited awareness, and insufficient stakeholder participation. These findings highlight the need for further research linking firm, industry, and country-level factors in diverse jurisdictions. Future studies should also explore harmonizing financial and non-financial reporting (NFR) by identifying existing challenges. Future research based on case studies will provide deeper insights into IR practices and their outcomes.
Novelty/Originality – Answering six research questions (RQs) on IR using an SLR approach, incorporating articles from 63 Scopus-indexed and 17 high-quality non-Scopus journals, adds to the core value of this study.
Implications – This study provides research-based evidence for policymakers to assess the extent, determinants, efficacy, and challenges of IR across jurisdictions, facilitating its future adoption and broader implementation. Additionally, it aids researchers in identifying gaps and
advancing IR scholarship.
Keywords: Integrated reporting, non-financial reporting, systematic literature review.
Paper type: Literature review
* Corresponding Author.