This qualitative study offers a novel contribution to existing research by critically assessing the authenticity and depth of corporate responsiveness to social and environmental (SE) stakeholders, an area often overlooked in the integrated reporting literature. Unlike prior studies that rely mainly on corporate disclosures, this research triangulates data covering the 2018–2020 period, including 100 JSE-listed companies’ integrated reports, eight semi-structured interviews with civil society organisations, and 13 media reports to evaluate whether stakeholder engagement is genuinely proactive or merely symbolic. The study applies thematic analysis to identify gaps between reported practices and stakeholder experiences. Findings reveal that although companies publicly claim collaborative engagement, their reports typically reflect generic, one-size-fits-all approaches, lacking specificity, context, and evidence of co-creation. In several cases, protests were traced to poor consultation, lack of consent, and institutional unresponsiveness, especially in the mining sector. This misalignment suggests that integrated reporting often fails to reflect on-the-ground realities and does not fully embody the principles of shared value or reciprocity. The article contributes to the literature by exposing systemic weaknesses in current reporting practices and calls for more robust, transparent, and participatory engagement frameworks. It underscores the urgency of moving beyond compliance-driven narratives toward more inclusive governance that can foster trust, mitigate conflict, and drive sustainable development.
Ongayi Wadesango (Thu,) studied this question.