a b s t r a c tThis study analyzes the worldwide diffusion of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) from the viewpoint of both a macro-and a microanalysis using data from the first decade of this century. For the macroanalysis, logistic curves were used to demonstrate the different stages and patterns in the dissemination of GRI in the different regions of the world that were examined. For the microanalysis, two indicesdinstability and concentrationdwere used to analyze and assess GRI diffusion across different sectors of activity. The findings are thus of considerable importance to the understanding of sustainability reporting worldwide. Moreover, they point to probable trends in sustainability reporting over the next few years.

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Purpose The purpose of this paper is to empirically investigate the effects of knowledge management (KM) enablers on KM processes in research universities and testing the direct relation between KM processes and OP. This study also proposes to examine the mediating role of intellectual capital (IC) and innovation in the relationship between KM processes and performance of universities. Design/methodology/approach Using a sample of 217 academic and administrative personnel from research universities of Pakistan, the hypothesized relationships were tested through partial least squares structural equation modeling technique. Findings The results reveal that KM enablers have a significant impact on KM processes. The results also indicate that KM processes influence organizational performance (OP) directly and indirectly through innovation and IC. Practical implications Findings of this study reinforce the corporate experience of KM and suggest how administrators of research universities and higher educational institutions can promote innovation and IC, which in turn enhance OP. Originality/value Despite the augmented importance of KM in higher education institutions or research universities, there is a dearth of studies that investigate the interplay of KM, innovation, IC and OP. This is one of the earliest studies that not only empirically investigate the interaction of KM enablers, KM processes and performance of research universities but also shed insights into the existing literature by simultaneously investigating mediating role of IC and innovation in the underlying relationship.

This study analyses the worldwide diffusion of the Global Reporting Initiative's (GRI) Sustainability Report in all economic sectors from 1999 to 2011. The logistic curve model (s-shaped curve) is used to assess the current situation on both a global scale and a local scale. Additionally, instability and concentration indices are used to analyse whether the diffusion process developed in a homogeneous manner across economic sectors. Although for different reasons, close attention has been paid to the two leading sectors worldwide: the financial and energy sectors. Findings suggest that the energy sector has adopted GRI reporting in an effort to be more sustainable as it is more visible, polluting, and international. On the other hand, the financial sector could regain market credibility and attract new investors, and GRI reporting could help it to construct a new identity defined by legitimate behaviours and an improved image. The paper concludes with some reflections on the usefulness of these reports and trends.

The relationships within the categories of the EFQM self-assessment model are analysed in this article, based on 242 independent assessments carried out in the European region with the highest density of EFQM awards (the Basque Autonomous Community, in Spain). The main finding of the article is that the relationships within the categories of the EFQM are robust, despite the fact that there exist relationships among some of its enablers and results that fail to reach a suitable level of validity. These findings coincide with the conclusions drawn from studies carried out previously for the Malcom Baldrige model. The conclusions drawn in the article may be of interest both for academic and professional spheres of activity.