지속가능성 보고의 중대성 공시품질 연구

초록

[Purpose]This study examines the current status of ‘materiality disclosure’ in corporate sustainability reporting, conducts an analysis of Materiality Disclosure Quality (MDQ), including the ‘impact materiality’, and suggests improvements for weakness in Korean companies.[Methodology]The research analyzes the proportion of materiality assessment sections and the status of double materiality assessment in sustainability reports disclosed on the Korea Exchange (KRX) in 2022. Additionally, it develops MDQ metrics based on the EU and GRI 2021 materiality assessment criteria, scrutinizing the disclosure rate and quality of each metric. Furthermore, a comparative analysis of MDQ is performed between groups that adopted double materiality assessment or GRI 2021 standards and those that did not.[Findings]The results indicate that, compared to the Materiality Disclosure Criteria of ESRS and GRI, there is a high disclosure rate for previously required information, such as explaining the materiality determination process, specifying stakeholder engagement, and listing materiality topics. However, quantitative assessments of materiality, descriptions of impacts and actions to mitigate negative impacts, as well as the time horizon of impacts, exhibit low disclosure rates and qualities. The empirical results of the MDQ mean comparison test indicate a significantly higher MDQ in the double materiality or GRI 2021 adoption groups.[Implications]This study represents the first in－depth analysis of Materiality Disclosure Quality in sustainability reporting. By examining how companies perform materiality assessments and identifying deficiencies and omissions based on international standards, it is expected to contribute to managerial decision－making for improving MDQ.

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