Addressing a global key sector area – the high technology manufacturing sector – we examine if there is truly a benefit of corporate social disclosure to the bottom line of organizations within this sector and if stakeholders should devote more attention to this strategic topic. Accordingly, we assess the potential effects of corporate social disclosure on financial performance, with a particular focus on employee and community aspects. This effect is examined for a sample of 405 companies operating within the sector. Additionally, we posit that the innovative nature of the sector adds a sub‐plot and possibly exaggerates the effect of corporate social disclosure on financial performance. The study offers guidance to stakeholders on how actions in the CSR realm may potentially affect company performance within this sector, as well as providing direction on the impact improved disclosure can have on financial performance. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment