Abstract

This paper examines how interorganizational imitation affects non-financial reporting performance, focusing on ESG disclosure. Drawing on institutional and legitimacy theories, we analyse both trait-based and outcome imitation, using data from 5,617 firms over nine years. Results show that firms emulate peers with greater size, high status, and strong ESG performance. Uncertainty—such as social expectations and prior experience—moderates these effects, but only in specific contexts. The study highlights peer influence as a key driver of sustainability reporting.