Where research meets reporting and practice.

Who decides what information is material?

Materiality sits at the centre of high-quality corporate reporting. It determines what information companies disclose and, ultimately, what investors and other stakeholders can use to make decisions.

But whose information needs should companies consider? Investors? All stakeholders? Society as a whole? The evidence suggests there is no simple answer.

But whose information needs should companies consider? Investors? All stakeholders? Society as a whole? The evidence suggests there is no simple answer.

In this article, we draw on recent research and practice insights to explore how organisations approach materiality and what this means for reporting quality.

The challenge of multiple perspectives

Different stakeholders have different information needs. What matters to investors may not be the same as what matters to employees, communities or regulators…

Who decides what information is material?

Materiality sits at the centre of high-quality corporate reporting. It determines what information companies disclose and, ultimately, what investors and other stakeholders can use to make decisions.

But whose information needs should companies consider? Investors? All stakeholders? Society as a whole? The evidence suggests there is no simple answer.

But whose information needs should companies consider? Investors? All stakeholders? Society as a whole? The evidence suggests there is no simple answer.

In this article, we draw on recent research and practice insights to explore how organisations approach materiality and what this means for reporting quality.

The challenge of multiple perspectives

Different stakeholders have different information needs. What matters to investors may not be the same as what matters to employees, communities or regulators…

About the author

Dr Jane Smith

Associate Professor of Accounting, University X

Jane’s research focuses on sustainability reporting, materiality and stakeholder engagement.

She works with organisations and standard setters on reporting practice and policy.

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