Corporate disclosures on curbing bribery and the UK Bribery Act 2010: evidence from UK companies

Purpose This study aims to investigate whether United Kingdom (UK)-based companies have changed their voluntary disclosures on curbing the bribery of foreign officials in response UK Bribery Act 2010, and if so how such disclosure changes substantively reflected allegations by news media. Design/methodology/approach By using notions institutional pressure decoupling applying content thematic analysis, authors examined, particular, largest 100 listed London Stock Exchange periods before after (2007–2012). News media reports covering incidents related corporate were thoroughly examined problematise anti-bribery practices. Findings The finds a significant change enactment Act, consistent with notion coercive pressure. However, is also found: organisations' did not reflect bribing public officials, mostly from underprivileged developing nations. Research limitations/implications acknowledges limitation stemming that focus identifying actual cases or bribery. As some identified appeared be allegations, convictions for bribery, could defensible reasons disclosing aspects them. Practical implications Regulators should think why new more regulations without substantive requirement are helpful curb injustice. regulators address crisis multinational (MNCs) being suppliers much harmful communities Accordingly, this paper provides practical insights into stakeholders ought critically interpret MNCs' accounts involvement Originality/value contributes accounting literature problematising operations countries. findings suggest only countries as creators but Western-based MNCs contribute perpetuating unethical practices injustices research imperative one first known studies evidence actions including disclosure-related taken Act.