Identifying and Optimizing Social Responsibility Accounting Components to Mitigate Environmental Impacts: A Grey Wolf Optimization Approach

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Accounting, Ilam Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ilam, Iran

2 Department of Accounting, Faculty of Management, Economics and Accounting, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

Social Responsibility Accounting (SRA) represents a vital framework that empowers stakeholders to evaluate how effectively an organization fulfills its social and environmental responsibilities through transparent and evidence‑based disclosures. This study seeks to identify and optimize the key components of SRA that most effectively mitigate adverse environmental impacts, employing the Grey Wolf Optimization Algorithm (GWO) within the operational context of Ilam International Cement Company. The research adopts a mixed‑methods design to ensure both conceptual depth and empirical accuracy. In the qualitative phase, a systematic literature review was carried out to extract SRA components directly associated with environmental impact reduction. Out of an initial collection of 178 relevant publications, 16 studies were selected based on rigorous screening criteria, resulting in 12 core SRA components. In the quantitative phase, primary data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed through the application of the Grey Wolf Optimizer to determine optimal combinations of these components. The findings reveal that when six critical components—(1) the degree of commitment to social responsibility, (2) involvement in distinctive or exceptional sustainability actions, (3) clarity and transparency of SRA objectives, (4) stakeholder interaction and communication, (5) integration of SRA into strategic planning and budgeting, and (6) the extent of expenditure and investment in social initiatives—each exceed a threshold value of one, the organization achieves maximum effectiveness in reducing environmental harm. This study demonstrates that integrating theoretically grounded SRA dimensions with advanced metaheuristic optimization methods such as the Grey Wolf Algorithm can substantially enhance an organization’s ability to meet both environmental and social sustainability objectives. The results provide a robust and operational framework for industrial enterprises aiming to strengthen their sustainability accounting, enhance stakeholder confidence, and align their organizational practices with internationally recognized environmental governance standards.

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References

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Green Development Management Studies
Volume 4, Special Issue
November 2025
Pages 79-98

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History

  • Receive Date: 05 February 2025
  • Revise Date: 15 March 2025
  • Accept Date: 29 April 2025

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