A survey of current online reporting practices in South Africa Available to Purchase

The aim of the study being reported, was to determine the status of online reporting in South Africa. The history, advantages and disadvantages of web‐based reporting were evaluated. A survey was undertaken among the top South African listed companies to determine the extent of their use of technology for online financial reporting and investor relations. The results of the survey indicate that the use of the internet by top South African companies has increased tremendously over the past number of years. The increased importance of online reporting is demonstrated by the fact that several companies not only provide copies of their annual financial statements on their website, but have also progressed to the second and the third stage of online reporting. Communication with investors, which is a part of online reporting, is very important. The results of the survey indicate that companies take this matter into account when preparing a home page on their website. From a comparison of some of the results of this survey with those of international surveys it can be concluded that South African companies are keeping abreast of international trends regarding the use of the Internet as a medium of communication with investors and shareholders.