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Previous research on the effects on corporate social responsibility (CSR) is inconclusive and academics have increasingly discussed the credibility of CSR reporting. Our research analyses the influence of CSR reporting on corporate reputation by considering different scenarios based on companies' CSR consistency, which reflects the coherence between their CSR reporting and CSR commitment. Theoretically, CSR reporting initiatives could be perceived by stakeholders as a substantive or symbolic strategy. Our findings highlight that corporate reputation tends to be negatively affected by CSR reporting, which is generally identified by stakeholders as an impression management strategy (particularly gaining an ‘in accordance’ Global Reporting Initiative level and assurance), although the relationship between CSR reporting and corporate reputation depends on the CSR consistency of a firm. This evidence has direct implications for academics to refine theoretical frameworks as well as for companies and regulators to better understand the effects of CSR reporting.

Theories have been developed in the disclosure literature to explain the reasons behind the decision to disclose more information. Empirical evidence does not consistently support disclosure theories and results found are contradictory. The diffi culty in measuring voluntary disclosure might be one of the reasons infl uencing on these divergences. In this paper, we investigate two key questions related to disclosure measurement. First, we aim to empirically test if use of disclosure indices that measure different information attributes determines validity of disclosure theories. Second, we investigate how disclosure indices design infl uences results. Results show that determinants of more specifi c information attributes are different than those that infl uence less specifi c attributes. Furthermore, independently of the information attribute that is measured, disclosure measure design infl uences results.KEY WORDS Disclosure indices; Disclosure determinants; Forward-looking information; Disclosure theories.RESUMEN En la literatura sobre divulgación de información se han desarrollado diversas teorías para explicar los motivos que llevan a las empresas a divulgar más información. La evidencia empírica no apoya consistentemente las teorías y los resultados encontrados son contradictorios. Estas divergencias podrían estar ocasionadas por problemas implícitos a la medición de la información voluntaria. En este trabajo, se estudian dos cuestiones clave relacionadas con este problema. Primeramente, investigamos si el uso de índices de revelación que captan diferentes atributos informativos determina la validez de las teorías enunciadas sobre la divulgación de información. Por otro lado, analizamos la infl uencia de utilizar distintas medidas de la información. Los resultados muestran que los determinantes de atributos informativos más específi cos son distintos de aquellos factores que infl uyen en la divulgación de atributos menos específi cos. Además, independientemente del atributo informativo que es medido, el diseño de un índice de revelación infl uye en los resultados obtenidos. PALABRAS CLAVE Divulgación de información; Determinantes de la divulgación; Información previsional; Teorías sobre divulgación.

Theoretically, companies disclosing more voluntary information will benefit from a lower cost of capital, although empirical research provides inconclusive results. Our study aims to analyze the influence of the disclosure of forward‐looking information on the cost of capital, because this information is extremely useful for investors. Results show that only specific information on actions, programs, decisions, and/or quantitative financial information helps toward the reduction of cost of capital. This evidence has direct economic implications, because it enables regulators and managers to focus on those disclosure strategies that are effective in the reduction of cost of capital. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyse how board diversity affects firm financial outcomes through the way in which this diversity helps to improve voluntary disclosures. Design/methodology/approach The partial least squares (PLS) technique is used, and a sample of the manufacturing firms listed in Standard and Poor’s 500 for 2009 is studied. In relation to board diversity, two specific characteristics are considered, namely, gender diversity and ethnic diversity. Content analysis techniques are used to measure risk disclosures. Findings The results show that there is a positive association between board diversity and firms’ financial outcomes, which is explained by disclosing risk information. Research limitations/implications The results indicate that the effect of boards of directors on firm outcoumes is influenced by the board involvement in specific strategies, thereby providing encouraging opportunities for future research. Practical implications These findings have implications both for companies, when selecting board members, and for policymakers, when establishing requirements concerning board composition. Moreover, the evidence highlights the role of disseminating risk information, which has direct implications for managers and regulators, who may better understand the value-relevance of risk disclosures. Originality/value The use of PLS technique is one of the novelties of this paper. The novelty of this approach provides fresh insights into the literature, highlighting that the effect of boards on firm outcomes may be mediated by director involvement in specific disclosure strategies.