Impact of Laws and Ethics on Accounting and Sustainability Reporting

Dissertation

TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................1
1.1 Background of the study........................................................................................................1
1.2 Research aims and objectives................................................................................................1
1.3 Rationale of the study............................................................................................................2
1.4 Significance of the study.......................................................................................................2
1.5 Dissertation structure.............................................................................................................3
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW.........................................................................................4
Theme 1: Relationship between law and ethics...........................................................................4
Theme 2: Impact of laws and ethics on sustainability reporting.................................................5
CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY.............................................................................8
3.1 Research type.........................................................................................................................8
3.2 Research approach.................................................................................................................9
3.3 Research philosophy..............................................................................................................9
3.4 Research design.....................................................................................................................9
3.5 Data collection.......................................................................................................................9
3.6 Data analysis..........................................................................................................................9
3.7 Research limitations...............................................................................................................9
3.8 Ethical considerations............................................................................................................9
3.9 Reliability and validity..........................................................................................................9
CHAPTER 4: DATA ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS...................................................................10
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................11

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
Topic: To analyze the impact of laws and ethics on accounting as well as reporting of
corporate social responsibility
1.1 Background of the study
In the present era, with the motive to provide stakeholders with the fair information
pertaining to accounting and sustainability reporting several standards have been introduced.
Financial reporting standards are highly significant which in turn helps in developing
standardization and thereby facilitates comparison. This aspect shows that role of standards in
accounting are highly significant and helps stakeholders in decision making. Hong Kong
financial reporting standards include HKFRS, HKAS and related interpretations (Financial
reporting, 2017). Now, there are several companies in Hong Kong which follow accounting
standards and legislation with the motive to present fair view.
Along with this, now investors and other customers prefer to invest in the company
which performs CSR activities. In addition to this, government is also highly interested in
assessing the extent to which CSR initiatives undertaken by the different types of business
organization. Hence, with the motive to show the ethical responsibilities and attract large number
of people now firm publishes sustainability report at the end of accounting year. Such report
clearly presents the strategies undertaken by the firm for social contribution and environment
sustainability. In this, report will shed light on the impact of laws and ethical aspects on
accounting as well as sustainability reporting.
1.2 Research aims and objectives
In order to conduct study in a highly effectual way it is highly required for the researcher
to set specific aims and objectives by considering the research issue. Hence, research aims and
objectives related to the present study are enumerated below:

Aim: The aim of the present study is to assess the positive and negative influence of laws
and ethics on accounting and CSR or sustainability reporting.
Objectives:
 To identify the laws and ethical aspects related to accounting and reporting of CSR.
 To evaluate the relationship takes place between laws and ethics.
 To assess the impact of law on accounting and sustainability reporting.
 To recommend the ways through which companies can comply with the regulatory
aspects.
1.3 Rationale of the study
The rationale behind conducting present investigation is determining the impact of laws
and ethics on accounting as well as sustainability reporting. In the recent times, it is one of the
main issues now because as per laws and ethics business unit has to give report to the
stakeholders about the initiatives undertaken by them. Now, with the motive to enhance brand
image and market share every company performs CSR activity. Moreover, sustainability report
clearly shows the initiatives undertaken by the firm for the well –being of society. In this regard,
the present report will shed light on the manner in varied laws and ethical aspects have an impact
on accounting & sustainability reporting.
1.4 Significance of the study
In the present era, interest of students and other individuals towards the field of research
increased significantly. Hence, the present study and assessed outcome will provide high level of
assistance to the researchers who are interested in the area of finance. Hence, results of the
present research will give input to the scholars who willing to conduct study on similar topic.
Besides this, investigation outcome will help company in understanding the extent to which laws
and ethics have positive or negative impact on accounting as well as sustainability reporting.
Hence, by considering such study other scholars can find out gap and would become able
develop hypothesis for further research. On the basis of overall aspects or evaluation it can be
said that study related to laws as well as ethics in accounting is highly important in the recent
times.