International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC)

A global alliance promoting integrated reporting to showcase how organizations create value over time, combining financial and non-financial performance metrics.

International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC)

Definition

The International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC) is a global alliance comprising representatives from the corporate, investment, accounting, regulatory, academic, and standard-setting sectors. The primary goal of the IIRC is to foster the adoption of integrated reporting (IR) as a standard practice for businesses worldwide. Integrated Reporting combines financial and non-financial data into a single report, covering governance, stewardship, sustainability, and financial performance to show how organizations create value over time.

Key Points

  • Establishment: Founded in 2010, with Professor Mervyn King as its chair.
  • Framework: Published its first draft Framework on Integrated Reporting in 2013.
  • Purpose: To integrate aspects like governance, sustainability, and financial data to show overall value creation.

Examples

  1. Unilever: A pioneer in integrated reporting, offering insights into sustainability initiatives alongside financial results.
  2. Marks & Spencer: Uses integrated reporting to illustrate its environmental and social governance activities.
  3. Novo Nordisk: Highlights how its strategies create value over multiple capitals (financial, manufacturing, human, social).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of integrated reporting? Integrated reporting aims to detail how an organization creates value over short, medium, and long terms by integrating financial and non-financial factors into a single cohesive report.

Who are the primary users of integrated reports? The main users are providers of financial capital, but it is also useful for other stakeholders including employees, customers, suppliers, regulators, and communities in which the organization operates.

What entities make up the IIRC? The IIRC is a coalition of various stakeholders including representatives from corporate, investment, accounting, regulatory, academic, and standard-setting sectors.

What was a significant milestone for the IIRC? The publication of the draft Framework on Integrated Reporting in 2013 was a significant milestone.

Who chairs the IIRC? Professor Mervyn King is the current chair.

  • Global Reporting Initiative (GRI): An organization that provides a comprehensive sustainability reporting framework, generally more focused on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors.

  • Triple Bottom-Line Accounting: A framework accounting for social, environmental, and financial impact to evaluate corporate performance comprehensively.

Online Resources

Suggested Books for Further Studies

  1. “The Integrated Reporting Movement: Meaning, Momentum, Motives, and Materiality” by Robert G. Eccles and Michael P. Krzus.
  2. “One Report: Integrated Reporting for a Sustainable Strategy” by Robert G. Eccles, Michael P. Krzus.
  3. “Accounting for Sustainability: Practical Insights” edited by Anthony Hopwood, Jeff Unerman, and Jessica Fries.
  4. “Purpose and Profit: How Business Can Lift Up the World” by George Serafeim.

Accounting Basics: “International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC)” Fundamentals Quiz

### Who is the current chair of the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC)? - [ ] Richard Branson - [ ] Warren Buffet - [x] Professor Mervyn King - [ ] Elon Musk > **Explanation:** Professor Mervyn King is the chair of the International Integrated Reporting Council since its founding. ### What year did the IIRC publish its draft Framework on Integrated Reporting? - [ ] 2010 - [x] 2013 - [ ] 2015 - [ ] 2017 > **Explanation:** The IIRC published its draft Framework on Integrated Reporting in 2013. ### Integrated Reporting aims to combine which types of organizational performance? - [ ] Only financial performance - [x] Both financial and non-financial performance - [ ] Only non-financial performance - [ ] None of the above > **Explanation:** Integrated Reporting aims to combine both financial and non-financial performance metrics. ### Which of the following is NOT a primary user of integrated reports? - [x] Competitors - [ ] Providers of financial capital - [ ] Employees - [ ] Regulators > **Explanation:** Competitors are generally not the primary users of integrated reports. ### Integrated Reporting is designed to illustrate value creation over what time periods? - [ ] Short-term only - [ ] Long-term only - [x] Short, medium, and long terms - [ ] Immediate future > **Explanation:** Integrated Reporting is designed to illustrate value creation over short, medium, and long terms. ### What is a key feature included in integrated reports besides financial information? - [ ] Product prices - [x] Sustainability initiatives - [ ] Employee vacations - [ ] None of the above > **Explanation:** Sustainability initiatives and governance are key features included in integrated reports. ### Triple Bottom-Line Accounting evaluates which aspects? - [ ] Financial results only - [ ] Environmental outcomes only - [x] Social, environmental, and financial impacts - [ ] Corporate profits only > **Explanation:** Triple Bottom-Line Accounting evaluates social, environmental, and financial impacts. ### What type of coalition is the IIRC considered to be? - [ ] Sole proprietorship - [ ] Government agency - [x] Global alliance - [ ] Non-profit organization > **Explanation:** The IIRC is considered to be a global alliance of diverse sector representatives. ### Which company is known for its leadership in integrated reporting practices? - [ ] Google - [x] Unilever - [ ] Krispy Kreme - [ ] Tesla > **Explanation:** Unilever is widely recognized as a leader in integrated reporting practices. ### According to IIRC, clear articulation of value creation is most directly targeted towards which group? - [x] Providers of financial capital - [ ] General public - [ ] Competitors - [ ] Media > **Explanation:** Most integrated reports are oriented towards providers of financial capital but are also beneficial for other stakeholders.

Thank you for diving into the nuances of integrated reporting and the work of the IIRC. Remember, understanding these concepts can greatly enhance your ability to evaluate and present comprehensive organizational performance.

Tuesday, August 6, 2024

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