Meaning and Momentum in the Integrated Reporting Movement

In this summary of their recently published book, the authors provide an update of the state of the integrated reporting (or < IR >) movement, whose aim is to persuade companies to provide fuller disclosure of material nonfinancial (or "ESG") factors and how they are likely to affect the organization's ability to create value over time. After noting that < IR > proponents are focusing their efforts on a combination of market and regulatory approaches, the article offers four recommendations to accelerate the widespread adoption of < IR > principles and practices: 1. The International Integrated Reporting Council should establish a process for companies to get voluntary certification of whether their integrated report and website qualify as "integrated reporting" according to the IIRC. 2. Members of the integrated reporting movement should establish a global strategy to speed the adoption of integrated reporting, while adapting the strategy to country and sector requirements. 3. The Big Four firms should work with other accounting firms and professional accounting associations to create awareness and understanding of integrated reporting among their clients and to develop assurance standards for integrated reporting. 4. CDP, GRI, IIRC, and SASB should work together to explain to companies, investors, and other stakeholders how their missions relate.