Institutionalisation of sustainability performance measurement and reporting: Insights from Victoria (Australia) and New Zealand universities

Abstract

This study explores the sustainability performance indicators (SPIs) universities disclose, and how institutional and resource dependence pressures influence the institutionalisation of sustainability performance measurement and reporting. We assess performance indicators (PIs) with quantitative or qualitative results reported against established targets and conducted a longitudinal cross-jurisdiction assessment of over 25,000 PIs reported by 16 Victorian (Australia) and New Zealand (NZ) universities from 2012 to 2021. Results from content and regression analyses provide evidence that SPI reporting is influenced by coercive, normative, and resource dependence pressures, with universities adopting an acquiescence strategy towards disclosure. SPIs account for a substantial proportion (54%) of total PIs and focus on economic and social performance. Environmental SPIs are typically absent unless mandated and SPIs that indicate the embedding of sustainability practices into core university activities are uncommon. Despite some innovative universities that voluntarily adopted sustainability reporting guidelines or disclosed SPIs beyond reporting mandates, these disclosure practices may not represent an improvement over currently accepted practices as they have not become widely diffused and institutionalised. Our study provides new insights on the state of university sustainability reporting and is relevant to standard-setters and regulators in advancing public sector sustainability reporting.