Visualisation within sustainability reports: insights from a stigmatisedindustry company

Irshad Ali, Sabrina Chong, Anil Narayan and Ajantha Velayutham

Social Responsibility Journal, 2026, vol. 22, issue 5, 1025-1038

Abstract: PurposeThis study aims to examine how a tobacco company operating within a stigmatised industry uses visualisation in its sustainability reporting to manage and mitigate organisational stigma.Design/methodology/approachInformation and data for the study was collected from Philip Morris International (PMI)’s reports and from semi-structured interviews with PMI’s sustainability report preparers. Data was analysed using qualitative methods. Legitimacy theory with a focus on the concept of moral legitimacy was used to interpret the findings.FindingsThe findings show that PMI strategically uses persuasive visualisation through numerous stigma management approaches in their attempt to deflect stigma or even leverage on it to their advantage. By highlighting its social and environmental responsibilities through visualisation, the company attempts to reshape its public image and strengthen legitimacy. However, despite its sustainability efforts, a stigmatised tobacco company may struggle to change the beliefs of all stakeholders so achieving moral legitimacy will remain elusive without major changes to its core business.Research limitations/implicationsThis study enriches the sustainability accounting and reporting literature by offering real-life examples of the utilisation of visualisation in sustainability reports by a stigmatised company.Practical implicationsOur study provides empirical evidence on how visualisation in sustainability reporting can strategically construct legitimacy by crafting persuasive and emotionally engaging messages that meet stakeholder expectations.Originality/valueThe study highlights the importance of visual literacy and contributes to a better understanding of the utilisation of visualisation in communicating sustainability messages.

Keywords: Organisational stigma; Sustainability reporting; Visualisation; Stigma management; Moral legitimacy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eme:srjpps:srj-07-2025-0714

DOI: 10.1108/SRJ-07-2025-0714

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