Cross-Dimensional Differences in Sustainability Disclosures: Evidence from Large-Cap NSE-Listed Companies in India

Adrija Shandilya; Gour Gopal  Banik

doi:10.55845/jos-2026-21142

Authors

Adrija Shandilya Department of Commerce, Gauhati University https://orcid.org/0009-0008-7357-9603
Gour Gopal Banik Girijananda Chowdhury University, Guwahati, Assam, 781017, India https://orcid.org/0009-0002-8687-7200

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55845/jos-2026-21142

Keywords:

Sustainability Reporting, BRSR, Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), National Stock Exchange (NSE), Large-Cap Companies, Corporate Sustainability

Abstract

This paper explores cross-dimensional variations in sustainability disclosure intensity in 50 large-cap National Stock Exchange (NSE)-listed companies through an integrated model based on Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) requirements and Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards. It focuses on the transition from voluntary to mandatory BRSR adoption over the financial years 2021-22 and 2022-23. Sustainability disclosures are measured using weighted percentage scores derived from a structured BRSR-GRI mapping framework. The results show that there is systematic disclosure variability by dimension, with specific dimensions being uniformly more emphasized. Nonparametric tests (Friedman and Wilcoxon signed-rank) substantiate the presence of significant cross-dimensional differences and identifies the significant change in the level of disclosures over time, whereas the relative positioning across dimensions remains rather stable. These trends are in line with the regulatory shift to compulsory BRSR and are reflective of the changing disclosure practices, yet causal inference falls outside the scope of the study. The findings point at stable relative ordering cross-dimensional imbalances and the necessity of more balanced reporting guidance. The paper adds value by operationalising an integrated BRSR-GRI framework, and offering comparative evidence on sustainability disclosure behaviour in an emerging market.

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