Stakeholder Influence in Shaping the Role of Accountants in Sustainability Reporting in Romania

Abstract

Mandatory non-financial reporting (subsequently replaced by sustainability reporting (SR)) appeared in the European Union in 2017, as part of the Accounting Directive. Therefore, SR represents a relatively recent and evolving challenge for the accounting profession. In this context, the aim of the study was to explore the influence of various stakeholders in shaping the role of accountants in SR in Romania. The research was framed within the concept of a field, capturing the interaction of different forces. The research methodology was exploratory. Data was collected from 18 semi-structured interviews carried out between January and February 2025 with 20 professionals with direct experience in SR and in the accounting profession. The coding and analysis were contextualised and triangulated with our understanding (researchers and practitioners) of the field, both deductively and inductively. The results showed the low effective interaction and receptivity to SR of the state (as legitimacy provider), and the higher involvement of universities and professional accounting organisations (as awareness providers) and consultants, Big 4 firms, and, in some cases, employers (as resource providers). The study is important as it provides relevant and fresh insights for practice and regulation.

Keywords

• sustainability reporting
• accounting professionals
• field theory
• legitimacy providers
• sustainability reporting actors
• legitimacy
• awareness