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Global Drivers for ESG Performance: The Body of Knowledge

Author

Listed:
  • Dan Daugaard

    (Centre for Corporate Sustainability and Environmental Finance, Macquarie University, Sydney 2000, Australia
    Tasmanian School of Business and Economics, University of Tasmania, Hobart 7000, Australia)

  • Ashley Ding

    (Centre for Corporate Sustainability and Environmental Finance, Macquarie University, Sydney 2000, Australia)

Abstract

Progress on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) issues is vastly different depending where in the world you look. However, the literature on what drives ESG performance is highly fragmented and current theories fail to offer useful insights into the disparity in ESG performance. Hence, this study draws upon an accumulated body of knowledge of ESG-related literature and explores the major drivers of ESG performance. By applying a scientific and replicable methodology of systematic literature review, this article reveals the fundamental debate underpinning ESG responsibility, the breath of pertinent stakeholders, the theories necessary to understand ESG management and the conditions which will best achieve ESG progress. The major themes help inform the most effective choice of mechanisms to improve ESG outcomes. However, there are also significant themes not yet fully developed in the literature. Future research is urgently needed on the impact of economic development, regulatory environment and responsible investing on ESG outcomes. These research trajectories hold important implications for investment management, corporate strategy and government policies affecting global ESG performance.

Suggested Citation

  • Dan Daugaard & Ashley Ding, 2022. "Global Drivers for ESG Performance: The Body of Knowledge," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-21, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:4:p:2322-:d:752296
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Maria Krambia-Kapardis & Christos S. Savva & Ioanna Stylianou, 2023. "Socio-Economic Factors Affecting ESG Reporting Call for Globally Agreed Standards," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(20), pages 1-35, October.
    3. Shuying Li & Yujie Liu & Yang Xu, 2022. "Does ESG Performance Improve the Quantity and Quality of Innovation? The Mediating Role of Internal Control Effectiveness and Analyst Coverage," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(1), pages 1-25, December.
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    5. Louis Maximilian Ronalter & Merce Bernardo & Javier Manuel Romaní, 2023. "Quality and environmental management systems as business tools to enhance ESG performance: a cross-regional empirical study," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 25(9), pages 9067-9109, September.
    6. Alexandre Clément & Élisabeth Robinot & Léo Trespeuch, 2022. "Improving ESG Scores with Sustainability Concepts," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(20), pages 1-15, October.
    7. Mio, Chiara & Fasan, Marco & Scarpa, Francesco, 2023. "Materiality investor perspectives on utilities’ ESG performance. An empirical analysis of ESG factors and cost of equity," Utilities Policy, Elsevier, vol. 82(C).

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