Exploring the Impact of Private Companies’ Participation in Health-Related Programs through Corporate Sustainable Reporting

Abstract

Background: Sustainability reporting has evolved into a widespread method for leading corporations, not only due to its value as a means of tracking one’s company’s performance, but also as a tool for communicating performance to all involved stakeholders in any corporation. There has been little research into how private companies participate in various health programs while maintaining effective reporting. Aim: The study seeks to investigate the impact of private companies’ participation in health-related programs via corporate sustainable reporting (or corporate social responsibility disclosures; CSRD). Methods: Descriptive–correlational analysis, a balanced panel data of 117 Saudi listed businesses. Results: Corporate engagement in healthcare necessitates the identification of various hazards. As a result of the implementation of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, in 2016, the reporting of health-related CSRD (HCSRD) increased from 36% in 2015, to 48% in 2018. Conclusions: Corporate sustainable participation in healthcare can vary among firms, indicating the different levels of influence in this regard. The healthcare sector, having the lowest average amount of disclosures, shows a lack of responsibility and control, as well as an inability to follow developments in the industry. The findings have practical implications for a range of stakeholders (e.g., regulators, investors, accounting professionals, and other institutions) of health-related CSRD in Saudi Arabia.