Developing a causal model of barriers to the advancement of sustainability accounting and financial reporting: a thematic analysis and DEMATEL approach

Subject Areas : Accounting & Accountability

Mona Talaei ¹ , Abbasali Pour Aghajan ² , Rasool Masoumi ³

1 - Department of Accounting, Sar.C., Islamic Azad University, Sari, Iran
2 - Department of Accounting, Sar.C., Islamic Azad University, Sari, Iran
3 - Department of accounting, Jo.C., Islamic Azad University, Joybar, Iran.

Received: 2025-04-30 Accepted : 2025-07-26 Published : 2025-07-28

Keywords: Delphi, DEMATEL, development barriers, financial reporting, Sustainability accounting, thematic analysis,

Abstract :

Purpose: The primary objective of this research is to develop a causal model for identifying and analyzing barriers to the advancement of sustainability accounting and financial reporting in companies listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange.

Methodology: This study employed a mixed-method research design combining qualitative and quantitative approaches. In the qualitative phase, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 15 experts and academic professionals in 2024. Using thematic analysis, key themes related to the barriers hindering the development of sustainability accounting were identified. To validate the findings, the Delphi method was applied, allowing for expert consensus and confirmation. In the quantitative phase, the DEMATEL (Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory) technique was utilized to analyze the causal relationships among the identified components of the barriers. This integrative approach enabled a comprehensive and systematic evaluation of the critical factors influencing the advancement of sustainability accounting.

Findings: The qualitative findings reveal three overarching themes—economic and regulatory challenges, environmental and sustainability concerns, and socio-cultural barriers—further categorized into seven organizing themes and twenty-eight foundational themes. The quantitative results indicate that weaknesses in regulatory frameworks and infrastructure, along with insufficient adherence to standards and protocols, are the most influential factors. Conversely, financial resource constraints and ethical and social considerations are classified as dependent variables.

Originality: The results of this study, through the development of a causal and systematic model, identify and analyze the barriers to the advancement of sustainability accounting and financial reporting within Iran's institutional and cultural context. This model assists managers and policymakers in prioritizing the identified obstacles and formulating effective strategies to enhance sustainability reporting practices.

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