Factors affecting the voluntary disclosure: a study by using smart PLS-SEM approach

Purpose - This paper aims to examine the factors affecting the voluntary disclosure in the annual reports of listed companies in Bangladesh. Design/methodology/approach - The study is based on a sample of 96 listed non-financial companies in Dhaka Stock Exchanges over the period of 2013 to 2016. The study used partial least squares structural equation modeling tool to analyze data which provides evidence of reliability and validity. It also used an unweighted relative disclosure index for measuring voluntary disclosure. Findings - The empirical results show that corporate governance (board leadership structure and ownership structures) and firms characteristics (total assets and total sales) are significantly positive correlated with the voluntary disclosure. Originality/value - The finding of the study will be a bench mark or the hoard for policy makers and implementers in torching the avenues of improvement in raising the level of corporate voluntary disclosure in annual reports of listed companies in Bangladesh.