THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL BASES OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT REPORTING

Abstract

The article provides a theoretical and methodological analysis of the prerequisites, characteristics, and factors influencing the formation of sustainable development reporting in the context of transforming approaches to enterprise management. Internal and external motives for sustainable development reporting are analyzed. A comparison of financial reporting and sustainable development reporting is made based on key criteria (purpose and intent, nature, objects, regulation, orientation, measurement focus, and level of integration into strategy). It has been established that their combination forms a comprehensive picture of the entity's activities, combining the assessment of financial results and contribution to sustainable development. Various approaches to the formation of sustainable development reporting principles are considered. It is noted that they are not only declarative in nature, but also serve as a methodological basis without which reporting and management decisions lose their systematic character. It is proposed to supplement the list of principles with the following: integration, digital transparency, and regional relevance. Among the functions of sustainable development reporting, analytical, communication, management, and control functions are highlighted, confirming the multifaceted role of such reporting in the management system. The effectiveness of using the studied type of reporting is considered. The place of sustainable development reporting in the enterprise management system is specified by distinguishing three interrelated levels of integration (strategic, tactical, and operational), which differ in their specifics and functional load. Factors influencing the integration of sustainable development reporting at different levels of the enterprise management system are systematized. At the strategic level, regulatory, market, internal strategic, and technological factors have been identified. At the tactical level, organizational, financial, social, regulatory, and market factors are important. At the operational level, production, technological, social, and external factors are highlighted. It is concluded that sustainable development reporting should evolve from a reputation positioning tool into a full-fledged element of the management system, which will contribute to ensuring the strategic orientation, transparency, and accountability of the enterprise in the long term.