Exploring the Governance–Disclosure Nexus: Board Structures and ESG Disclosures in South Africa

Abstract

This study examines how governance structures such as board composition and board functions influence environmental, social and governance (ESG) reporting among listed South African firms. This study examines 90 public listed companies on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange between 2012 and 2022. Over an 11-year period, board size shows a significant positive relationship with ESG, Social (SOC) and Governance (GOV) disclosures, but not with environmental (ENV). Board independence and audit committee meeting frequency are positively and significantly linked to all four ESG disclosure models. Furthermore, audit committee size is positively associated with ENV and GOV disclosures but shows no effect on ESG or SOC. The findings emphasise the critical role of board structures in shaping strategic decisions, particularly regarding ESG disclosure. These insights may prove valuable to regulators, policymakers and investors seeking to make informed governance and investment decisions.