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Socially Responsible Investment Funds: a review of research priorities and strategic options

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  • Maike van Dijk-de Groot
  • Andre H.J. Nijhof

Abstract

This is the first literature review on Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) funds. Although SRI funds flourish, we know very little about these investment vehicles. This article reviews academic literature on SRI funds published during the past 25 years. It discusses the current state of theoretical research on SRI funds and identifies future research opportunities by analysing the characteristics, contents and methodological aspects of the literature and identifying research priorities and strategic options. Current research on SRI funds, it is shown, typically departs from a financial perspective and focuses predominantly on financial performance. In addition, most research is produced at European and North American universities, and there is little attention for social performance or discussion about the principles underlying SRI funds. We therefore argue that important future research opportunities exist with regard to the promise of SRI funds to attain both their financial and social goals.

Suggested Citation

  • Maike van Dijk-de Groot & Andre H.J. Nijhof, 2015. "Socially Responsible Investment Funds: a review of research priorities and strategic options," Journal of Sustainable Finance & Investment, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 5(3), pages 178-204, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:jsustf:v:5:y:2015:i:3:p:178-204
    DOI: 10.1080/20430795.2015.1100035
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    3. Maria Carolina Rezende de Carvalho Ferreira & Vinicius Amorim Sobreiro & Herbert Kimura & Flavio Luiz de Moraes Barboza, 2016. "A systematic review of literature about finance and sustainability," Journal of Sustainable Finance & Investment, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 6(2), pages 112-147, April.
    4. Juan Carlos Matallín‐Sáez & Amparo Soler‐Domínguez & Salvador Navarro‐Montoliu & Diego Víctor de Mingo‐López, 2022. "Investor behavior and the demand for conventional and socially responsible mutual funds," Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 29(1), pages 46-59, January.
    5. Felipe Arias Fogliano de Souza Cunha & Erick Meira & Renato J. Orsato, 2021. "Sustainable finance and investment: Review and research agenda," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 30(8), pages 3821-3838, December.

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