ENVIRONMENTAL ACCOUNTING PRACTICE, REPORTING AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY PERFORMANCE: EVIDENCE FROM MANUFACTURING FIRMS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The paper examined the relationship between Environmental Accounting Practice (EAP) reporting and Social Responsibility Performance (SRP) also the relationship between Environmental Conservation Cost (ECC) and Environmental Conservation Benefits (ECB). Data for the study were obtained from randomly selected six (6) manufacturing firms in Plateau and Kano states of Nigeria. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used in analyzing the data collected. The model was statistically evaluated and validated using Composite Reliability (CR) and discriminate validity criterion. Results indicated a positive relationship between EAP and SRP and also between ECC and ECB. It is recommended that organizations in Nigeria especially the manufacturing outfits should in addition to preparation of annual accounts, disclose sufficiently in a separate document on environmental and social responsibility reports, the effects of their activities on the environment particularly, their concern about environmental conservation and associated benefits. The disclosure can be enforced through legislation and guidelines on environment of relevant agencies at federal and state level