Which of the following is a GRI principle that supports transparent reporting?

The principle that supports transparent reporting within the Global Reporting Initiative framework is stakeholder engagement. This principle emphasizes the importance of involving various stakeholders in the reporting process. By actively engaging with stakeholders—such as employees, customers, suppliers, communities, and investors—an organization can gain diverse perspectives and insights about its economic, environmental, and social impacts.

Transparency in reporting is achieved when stakeholders feel informed about the organization’s activities and can see how their feedback and concerns are reflected in the reporting process. This engagement ensures that the report is not only a reflection of what the organization wants to communicate but also addresses the interests and expectations of those affected by its operations. Therefore, stakeholder engagement is pivotal for true transparency, allowing for a more responsible and accountable reporting mechanism.

The other options—while they may contribute to aspects of reporting—do not directly support the principle of transparency as effectively. Involvement of top management is crucial for accountability but does not inherently ensure transparent communication with external stakeholders. Confidentiality of information can actually limit transparency if too much information is withheld from stakeholders. Timeliness of reports is important for relevance, but it does not inherently foster transparency without the context and engagement of stakeholders.