The International Integrated Reporting Framework: Key Issues and Future Research Opportunities

TLDR

The paper outlines the development of the integrated reporting concept over a four‑year period from the IIRC’s inception in 2010, culminating in the March 2013 release of a Consultation Draft of the framework. The study sets out three aims: to introduce the integrated reporting concept, to examine key issues debated in the Consultation Draft, and to identify future research questions for its development and implementation. The discussion draws on issues reported to the IIRC by a subcommittee of the International Association for Accounting Education and Research composed of international accounting academics.

Abstract

Abstract This paper has three main aims. First, the paper introduces the concept of integrated reporting (< IR >) as described by the I nternational I ntegrated R eporting C ouncil ( IIRC ). A background to the development of the < IR > concept over the 4‐year period from the inception of the IIRC in 2010 is provided, culminating in the release by the IIRC of a C onsultation D raft ( CD ) of the < IR > framework in M arch 2013. Second, the paper discusses key issues currently being debated relating to the CD that the IIRC will need to resolve prior to the expected release of their < IR > framework in late 2013. This discussion is based on issues identified and reported to the IIRC by a subcommittee of the I nternational A ssociation for A ccounting E ducation and R esearch ( IAAER ) comprised of international accounting academics. Finally, the paper identifies a range of potential research issues relating to the development and implementation of < IR >.