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Business organisations employ a range of communication channels to inform and interact with their stakeholders on their corporate social responsibility and sustainability concerns. Over the years, with the proliferation of the internet, online and web-based communications have become the most widely used medium. However, comparatively little is known about the current use of and potential of internet communications in corporate sustainability disclosure in Malaysia. This study explores and aims to highlights the numerous advantages that the web provides for communication of sustainability issues. These advantages have been conceptualised through Media Richness Theory and operationalised through a study of online sustainability disclosure practices among public-listed companies in Malaysia. The findings indicate that the potential of the web is not extensively utilised by businesses to communicate their sustainability practices.

An increasing trend is observed among Malaysian corporations in disclosing social and environmental information (ACCA, 2002). However, it is unclear as to why Malaysian companies produce Corporate Social Reports voluntarily. Extant literature reveals a gap in identifying an appropriate theory to adequately explain CSR. This study investigates the applicability of Institutional Theory to enable an understanding of the Malaysian CSR phenomenon. Interviews with senior management of ten Malaysian companies practicing CSR provide grounded qualititative data to determine motivations that influence CSR. This exploratory study provides evidence that Institutional Theory demonstrates a feasible explanation of CSR practice in Malaysia.