Integrated Reporting: Determinants and Outcomes of Merging Financial and Non-Financial KPIs

In a world where environmental sustainability and financial performance are increasingly intertwined, the role of integrated reporting becomes pivotal. This thesis embarks on a comprehensive exploration of this dynamic relationship, shedding light on the interplay between environmental responsibility and economic success within the context of integrated reporting. Integrated reporting represents a crucial bridge in this investigation. By integrating financial and non-financial data, it provides a platform to assess the impact of environmental sustainability on financial performance. This research uncovers how integrated reporting serves as a vehicle for harmonizing these often disparate dimensions, enabling stakeholders to grasp the holistic performance of an organization. This thesis is structured around three interconnected papers. The first paper lays the theoretical foundation by developing a typology framework for integrated environmental and financial Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in integrated reporting. The second paper delves into the practical selection of these KPIs across a diverse sample of organizations, uncovering motivations and strategies. The third paper advances this by designing and assessing the impact of innovative KPIs, thereby bridging theory and application.

Dounia Chlyeh started her PhD at KLU under the supervision of both Prof. Dr. Alexander Himme and Prof. Dr. Johannes Meuer in September 2022. Her research revolves around Integrated KPIs within sustainability reporting. Taking into account the entire spectrum of integrated KPIs, from classification and selection to practical design and impact assessment. Dounia holds a Bachelor of Science in energy systems engineering from Gazi University in Ankara, a Master of Arts in management from Ibn Haldun University in Istanbul, and a second master's degree in REAP (Resource Efficiency in Architecture and Planning) from HafenCity University in Hamburg. During her bachelor's degree, Dounia gained field experience in Solar energy when she worked at different companies. As a research assistant, while doing her first master's degree, she published her first article in a top-tier journal. Before joining KLU, Dounia worked as a PV consultant and project manager at PVI GmbH alongside her second master's degree.