Perceived accountability, environmental consciousness and socially responsible investing decisions: evidence from Pakistan

Purpose – This study aims to examine the influence of professional accountants’ perceived accountability on their socially responsible investing decisions. Specifically, these decisions are based on a financially stable and profitable company that is alleged of environmental misconduct in the context of Pakistan. The study also explores whether accountants’ environmental consciousness mediates between perceived accountability and investment decisions. Design/methodology/approach – Given the increased industrial growth in major emerging economies including Pakistan, the context of environmental misconduct is selected for examination. Given the dominant role of accountants in mobilizing global and domestic investment, they are selected as a proxy for investors. Data was collected from 361 professional accountants working in leading accounting firms in Pakistan and analyzed using regression and mediation analysis. Findings – The findings document that accountants’ perceived accountability has a significant negative influence on their investing decisions. Additional analyses further show that professionals’ environmental consciousness mediates between this relationship. Practical implications – This study has implications for regulators, leading companies and researchers in establishing the significance of individuals’ perceived accountability in addressing threatening environmental challenges and enhancing socially responsible investing. Originality/value – Exploring individuals’ perceived accountability for financial and investment decision-making has been an unattempted question. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the few studies providing rigorous insights into examining professionals’ perceived accountability in the context of a developing country.