Non-profit Organizations : Development of nonprofit organization’s sustainability reports

Abstract: This study aims to analyze and evaluate three non-profit organizations regarding how their sustainability accounting reports have changed and developed between year 2017 and year 2019. The study analyzes how parameters in the sustainability index have been taken into consideration to perceive which parameters are the three non-profits organization’s focal points. In addition, the study will analyze how sustainability accounting reports meet the stakeholder's information needs. Given the prevailing issues and purpose of the study, a qualitative method is relevant to this study. The selection of organizations is based on organizations' availability of sustainability reports for the assessment period. In this study, non-probability selection was chosen, where the selection was made through a preliminary investigation. The study is based on a secondary data method which is a flexible and appropriate approach.   This thesis consists of empirical studies that will help strengthen the quality of the study. The data collected in the empirical data have been analyzed on the basis of the theoretical frame of reference. Frame of reference in this thesis is based on sustainable development, sustainability accounting, Venn diagram of sustainable development, triple bottom line and stakeholder theory. The empirical data in this thesis consists of Red Cross Sweden, Save the Children Sweden and WWF.   Based on the result of this thesis, the parameters under dimensions, environmental responsibility, social responsibility and financial responsibility in each organization have similarities. For example, the environmental requirements for purchasing and procurement are seen in both the Red Cross' and Save the Children's sustainability reports. Another example of similarity that can be seen in all three organizations' sustainability reports is gender equality and diversity. The organization's focus for different parameters in sustainability reports depends on the type of business they have. The development of each organization's sustainability reports in 2017 has been remarkable. Prior to 2017, Save the Children was a pioneer in presenting sustainability reports. While the Red Cross and WWF began to present sustainability reports in 2017. According to their stakeholder analysis, all three respective organizations have included all parameters that are important to their stakeholders. Through their dialogues with both internal and external stakeholders, the respective organizations meet the stakeholders' need for information.