| Status | 即將出版Forthcoming |
| Extinction Accounting Practices of Chinese Multinational Enterprises under the Belt and Road Initiative: An Initial Assessment | |
Zhang, R. ; Noronha, C.
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| Abstract | Purpose –The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) stimulates the development of linear infrastructures, such as roads and rail, as well as site-based infrastructure, including dams and power plants, and special economic zones. BRI poses a significant threat to biodiversity, especially because many of the infrastructure projects will be built in areas where rare and endangered species found nowhere else on the planet live. This paper intends to shed light on the CSR disclosure content and density of Chinese Multinational Enterprises (MNEs) in the field of extinction accounting along the BRI host countries. By rationalizing the extinction accounting practices of Chinese MNEs using theories of Stakeholder, Deep ecology, and Environmental stewardship, this paper serves as a first attempt to explore the extinction accounting practices of Chinese MNEs under the BRI. Design/methodology/approach – Qualitative content analysis is conducted to analyze the CSR reporting practices in the field of extinction of 22 leading Chinese MNEs in BRI host countries. This study follows the disclosure framework of extinction accounting developed by Atkins and Maroun (2018) to map the current extinction accounting practices of Chinese MNEs under the BRI. Findings –This paper raises several concerns about BRI on biodiversity. On the one hand, the majority of projected BRI investment is concentrated in areas which are home to numerous threatened and endangered species. Another big concern is the potential for the relocation of polluting industries from China to BRI host countries with weak environmental standards. The study demonstrates that extinction accounting practices of Chinese MNEs is emergent while the concept itself has not yet entered the mainstream of corporate disclsosure. The findings reveal that the current CSR reporting quality of Chinese MNEs in the field of extinction accounting is far from satisfactory. Practical/Social implications – We argue that the home and host country governments should ensure that Chinese MNEs participating in BRI projects incorporate strategic environmental and cumulative impact assessments at the regional scale and environmental impact assessments at the project scale. The findings also indicate that China’s current policy in BRI host countries is insufficient to ensure the sustainable development of Chinese OFDI in host countries. Although broad principles supporting CSR are repeated in many policy documents, details of the concrete steps to be taken, as well as compliance mechanisms, are scarce. Thus, this paper argues for urgent adherence to best-practice safeguards for Chinese OFDI in BRI host countries. It is suggested that Chinese MNEs should be subject to stronger CSR reporting regulations, as effective sustainable development of the BRI depends not only on China’s commitments and priorities, but also on its capacity to sustain, enact, and execute strict CSR disclosure laws and regulations. Originality/value –This paper is the very first attempt to map the current development of extinction accounting practices of Chinese MNEs in BRI host countries. While the BRI's geopolitical implications have garnered a lot of attention in the policy literature and the media, the repercussions of the BRI on preventing extinction of species and ecological sanctuaries, particularly within these infrastructure corridors, have gotten far less attention. The theoretical framework and findings have strong implications for policymakers, MNEs, and regulators and respond to a call for biodiversity concern along the BRI. |
| Keyword | Belt and road initiative (BRI) Extinction accounting Multinational enterprises (MNEs) Biodiversity |
| Language | 英語English |
| The Source to Article | PB_Publication |
| PUB ID | 57580 |
| Document Type | Report |
| Collection | DEPARTMENT OF ACCOUNTING AND INFORMATION MANAGEMENT |
| Recommended Citation GB/T 7714 | Zhang, R.,Noronha, C.. Extinction Accounting Practices of Chinese Multinational Enterprises under the Belt and Road Initiative: An Initial Assessment. |
| Files in This Item: | There are no files associated with this item. | |||||
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