Cahan, Steven F.De Villiers, Charl JohannesJeter, Debra C.Naiker, VicVan Staden, Chris J.2017-03-032016-03Steven F. Cahan, Charl De Villiers, Debra C. Jeter, Vic Naiker & Chris J. Van Staden (2016) Are CSR Disclosures Value Relevant? Cross-Country Evidence, European Accounting Review, 25:3, 579-611, DOI: 10.1080/09638180.2015.1064009.0963-8180 (print)1468-4497 (online)10.1080/09638180.2015.1064009http://hdl.handle.net/2263/59246Using proprietary data that rate corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosures of firms in 21 countries, this study examines how the strength of nation-level institutions affects the extent of CSR disclosures. We then examine the valuation implications of CSR disclosures and consider how the relation between CSR disclosures and firm value varies across countries. In contrast to prior studies, we separate CSR disclosures into an expected and unexpected portion where the unexpected portion is a proxy for the incremental information contained in CSR disclosures. We observe a positive relation between unexpected CSR disclosure and firm value measured by Tobin's Q. We also find that, while countries with strong nation-level institutions promote more CSR disclosures, the valuation of a unit increase in unexpected CSR disclosures is higher when nation-level institutions are weak.en© 2015 European Accounting Association. This is an electronic version of an article published in European Accounting Review, vol. 25, no. 3, pp. 579-611, 2016. doi : 10.1080/09638180.2015.1064009. European Accounting Review is available online at : http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/rear20.CSR disclosuresCross-country evidenceValuation implicationsCorporate social responsibility (CSR)SDG-08: Decent work and economic growthEconomic and management sciences articles SDG-08SDG-16: Peace, justice and strong institutionsEconomic and management sciences articles SDG-16Postprint Article