BRIDGING THE SUSTAINABILITY REPORTING GAP: ISSB IMPLEMENTATION AND ORGANIZATIONAL READINESS IN COLOMBIAN FIRMS
Keywords:
Sustainability reporting; ISSB standards; Emerging economies; Corporate sustainability disclosure; Accounting professionals; Latin America.Abstract
The growing demand for transparent sustainability reporting has increased global attention on the adoption of standardized frameworks. The standards issued by the International Sustainability Standards Board aim to improve the comparability and reliability of sustainability disclosures. However, their effective implementation remains a challenge, particularly in emerging economies where institutional and organizational conditions may differ significantly from those in developed markets.
This study analyzes the implementation gap of ISSB sustainability standards in Colombia by examining the perceptions and practices of corporate managers and accounting professionals. Using a sequential mixed-methods approach, the research combines quantitative survey data with qualitative insights to explore the relationship between awareness of sustainability standards and their practical adoption within organizations.
The findings reveal a significant perception–implementation gap: although professionals recognize the strategic relevance of sustainability reporting, many firms have not yet incorporated ISSB standards into their reporting processes. The results suggest that institutional factors, limited regulatory pressure, and organizational readiness may influence the pace of adoption.
This study contributes to the emerging literature on sustainability reporting by providing empirical evidence from a Latin American context and highlighting the challenges organizations face when transitioning toward globally harmonized sustainability reporting frameworks.
