Moderating Role of Intellectual Capital on Board Attributes and Sustainability Disclosure: A Proposed Model

Sustainability disclosure has emerged as a critical element of corporate social responsibility, reflecting organizational commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. While prior studies have predominantly emphasized firm-level characteristics such as size, industry, and financial performance, limited attention has been directed toward the role of board characteristics in shaping sustainability disclosure. This paper proposes a research framework that investigates the influence of board attributes namely board size, board independence, board expertise, and board gender diversity on sustainability disclosure, while introducing intellectual capital as a moderating variable. Drawing upon agency theory and legitimacy theory, the framework highlights the role of boards in reducing information asymmetry, enhancing legitimacy, and advancing sustainable corporate strategies. A comprehensive review of existing literature underscores the inconclusive and fragmented findings concerning the board–sustainability nexus, thereby necessitating deeper exploration. The proposed model suggests that intellectual capital, representing the collective knowledge and intangible assets within organizations, enhances the effect of board attributes on sustainability disclosure. By situating this study within the context of Nigeria, the framework provides a foundation for future empirical research and offers practical implications for academics, regulators, and practitioners seeking to strengthen governance mechanisms and improve sustainability reporting practices. Ultimately, this study contributes to the discourse on corporate governance by integrating intellectual capital into sustainability disclosure research, fostering a more holistic understanding of the determinants of transparent and responsible corporate behavior.