Polityka rachunkowości w zakresie ujawnień dotyczących zrównoważonego rozwoju
Accounting policy for sustainability disclosures

Author(s): Ewa Różańska, Łukasz Matuszak
Subject(s): Economy, Business Economy / Management, Micro-Economics, Energy and Environmental Studies, Economic policy, Economic development, Accounting - Business Administration, Business Ethics
Published by: Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Ekonomicznego w Poznaniu
Keywords: polityka rachunkowości;zrównoważony rozwój;sprawozdawczość niefinansowa;polityki rachunkowości;NFRD;CSRD;ESRS;ujawnienia dotyczące zrównoważonego rozwoju;
Summary/Abstract: The purpose of this chapter is to examine the issue of accounting policy relating to non-financial statements and sustainability reports in the theoretical and practical context, and in particular to redefine it, compare its formulation by EU directives (NRFD and CSRD), evaluate its current implementation on the basis of the NFRD and identifying the challenges of updating it in the light of CSRD among Polish companies listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange. The following research methods were used to achieve the purpose formulated in this way: terminological analysis, comparative analysis of regulations and analysis of the content of source documents. The research sample covered 258 reports (statements) on non-financial information for 2020 and 2021 published by 129 companies. It was found that both directives allow for some freedom of choice regarding the extent and place of disclosures, although the requirements of the NFRD in these areas are much more flexible. Companies willingly use the solutions allowed by the NFRD relating to the use of various standards, including own standards and two options for placing information (in the management report or in a separate report). In addition, the vast majority of companies applied selected standards on a continuous basis and consistently made disclosures in the same place. 10% of companies did not comply with the obligation to disclose information on the applied standards. The companies, along with the replacement of the current regulations by the CSRD, will be obliged to apply the ESRS and thus will face the challenge of developing, applying and disclosing the policy and its changes adopted in the preparation and presentation of the sustainability report. It will be a great difficulty to implement the adopted principles in a relatively short time, especially for companies without experience in using a comprehensive reporting methodology. The study was limited by the short time horizon and the narrowing of the sample to Polish companies. The chapter contributes to filling a significant gap in the accounting literature in three ways: by redefining the concept of accounting policy, providing empirical evidence on the current state of translating the macro-policy created by the NFRD into micro-policies of companies and identifying challenges for these companies related to shaping (selecting, applying and disclosing) of their internal policies in the context of the upcoming changes introduced by CSRD. The study therefore has theoretical implications that contribute to the emerging debate on accounting policies in the area of non-financial disclosures regarding sustainability. The results of the study also have practical implications for preparers of reporting policy in this area, as well as implications for future research on the determinants and potential impacts of the adopted policy.

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