The study analyzes how Italian benefit companies communicate their social and environmental impacts, assessing compliance with the obligation to publish an annual impact report and the quality of the information it contains. Through a composite index, the analysis measures three aspects: density (the amount of relevant information disclosed compared to the total), accuracy (presence of quantitative and monetary information, in addition to qualitative information) and orientation to future goals. The results show that many companies do not publish impact reports and that the level of report quality is low on average. However, getting certified as a BCorp as well improves data quality in terms of accuracy, while the presence of a statutory auditor in the governance structure reduces the propensity to disclose information on future goals, but improves the relevance of those disclosed.
