Motivation

The research project takes up these considerations and focuses its analysis on CSR Directive 2014/95/EU, adopted by the European Parliament and Council in October 2014, for its case study. The CSR Directive, which was implemented by the Federal Republic of Germany on 19 April 2017 by the Act to Strengthen Non-Financial Reporting by Companies in their Status and Group Management Reports (CSR Directive Implementation Act), stipulates the disclosure of non-financial information for certain companies. The reporting obligation comprises non-financial statements and key figures about environmental, social and employee concerns, respect for human rights and the fight against corruption.

The effects of this still recent law have not yet been researched. It remains unclear how the German companies addressed will handle this obligation and what structural effects this new law will have. Questions are raised concerning future report forms, structures and standards. Central to a comprehensive transformative effect is the extent to which suppliers and other stakeholders are involved in this reporting obligation and what effects this will have on transparency in the value chain or even in entire economic sectors. Crucial for the credibility of the statements is the extent to which relevant information is communicated that is accepted by stakeholders to assess the situation of the reporting company.