Data in Search of a Theory: A Critical Examination of the Relationships among Social Performance, Social Disclosure, and Economic Performance of U. S. Firms

Inconsistent findings have resulted from studies of the relationships among social disclosure, social performance, and economic performance of U.S. corporations.No clear tendency can be detected.The main reasons for these inconsistencies are: (a) a lack in theory, (b) inappropriate definition of key terms, and (c) deficiencies in the empirical data bases currently available.Suggestions are made as to how this situation can be improved.