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Scientific Article details

Title Sustainability reporting, materiality, and accountability assessment in the airport industry
ID_Doc 17875
Authors Karagiannis, I; Vouros, P; Skouloudis, A; Evangelinos, K
Title Sustainability reporting, materiality, and accountability assessment in the airport industry
Year 2019
Published Business Strategy And The Environment, 28, 7
DOI 10.1002/bse.2321
Abstract Air travel is, nowadays, recognized as being one of the most popular modes of transport. Air transport is among the most significant contributors to the world gross domestic product and is accountable for a great environmental and social impact. Driven by the well-established sustainability discourse and the vital role businesses can play in disseminating the sustainable development concept, this paper attempted to map airport industry's most material operational aspects and assess airport operators' accountability level on disclosing corporate information regarding airports' economic, environmental, and social performance. In this context, 33 reports and 903 material issues representing 193 international airports were reviewed and assessed, and a methodology for benchmarking the accountability level of best reporting airport operators was developed, showcasing materiality assessment as a useful management tool for strengthening airport operators' business strategy and enhancing their corporate performance. The paper indicated that (a) customer focus (i.e., health, safety and satisfaction), economic viability, and business continuity and preparedness are operational aspects of high materiality and (b) the disclosure level, especially concerning specific performance indicators, is still moderate. In conclusion, this study has shown that materiality assessment gains ground as a management tool among airports' management teams and the completeness of Sustainability reports is positively correlated with the "level" of adherence as described by the Global Reporting Initiative.
Author Keywords accountability; air transport; airport industry; CSR; Sustainability reporting; environmental policy; GRI; materiality; sustainable development
Index Keywords Index Keywords
Document Type Other
Open Access Open Access
Source Social Science Citation Index (SSCI)
EID WOS:000479449000001
WoS Category Business; Environmental Studies; Management
Research Area Business & Economics; Environmental Sciences & Ecology
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