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From Corporate Governance to Environmental Responsibility: UNGC-Based Sustainability Analysis of Turkish Banks

Author

Listed:
  • İbrahim Türkmen
  • Ramazan Rüçhan Kaya

Abstract

The United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) provides essential guidance for banks to adapt to the sustainability process. This research aims to reveal the sustainability performance of seven banks operating in Türkiye that are party to the UNGC by analyzing their “Communication on Progress Questionnaire” (COPQ) data for 2024. It is the first academic research to examine the sustainability practices of commercial banks in Türkiye within the framework of the UNGC principles. In this research, the strategies and activities of banks operating in Türkiye were evaluated through document analysis in line with the principles of “governance”, “human rights and labor”, “environment”, and “anti-corruption”. According to the findings; under the principle of “governance”, the Development and Investment Bank of Türkiye (82.77%), VakıfBank (83.98%) in the “human rights and labor” principle, VakıfBank (93.94%) in the “environment” principle, and DenizBank (100%) in the “anti-corruption” principle were found to have the highest level of progress. In conclusion, it is observed that Turkish banks have made significant progress in line with the UNGC principles. In this context, it is recommended that banks develop their sustainability strategies more transparently and comprehensively.

Suggested Citation

  • İbrahim Türkmen & Ramazan Rüçhan Kaya, 2026. "From Corporate Governance to Environmental Responsibility: UNGC-Based Sustainability Analysis of Turkish Banks," Journal of Research in Economics, Politics & Finance, Ersan ERSOY, vol. 11(1), pages 40-62.
    • Handle: RePEc:ahs:journl:v:11:y:2026:i:1:p:40-62
    DOI: 10.30784/epfad.1783828
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • G21 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Banks; Other Depository Institutions; Micro Finance Institutions; Mortgages
    • M14 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - Corporate Culture; Diversity; Social Responsibility
    • Q56 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environment and Development; Environment and Trade; Sustainability; Environmental Accounts and Accounting; Environmental Equity; Population Growth

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