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Internal corporate governance strength as a mechanism for achieving sustainable development goals

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  • Jennifer Martínez‐Ferrero
  • Emma García‐Meca

Abstract

This paper explores the strength of internal corporate governance as a determining factor in a firm's addressing the sustainable development goals (SDGs) proposed by the United Nations. Using a European sample of analysis from 2016 to 2017, the paper examines CEO independence, board composition and board attendance as internal corporate governance factors that affect a firm's commitment to sustainable development. By employing several regression analyses, the evidence supports the assertion that greater corporate governance strength, from an internal perspective, increases the propensity to report SDGs in firms' sustainability reports. In addition, results confirm that CEO non‐duality and board independence act individually as determinants of a firm's contribution to the 2030 Agenda.

Suggested Citation

  • Jennifer Martínez‐Ferrero & Emma García‐Meca, 2020. "Internal corporate governance strength as a mechanism for achieving sustainable development goals," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 28(5), pages 1189-1198, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:sustdv:v:28:y:2020:i:5:p:1189-1198
    DOI: 10.1002/sd.2068
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    Cited by:

    1. Hana Trollman & James Colwill, 2021. "The imperative of embedding sustainability in business: A model for transformational sustainable development," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 29(5), pages 974-986, September.
    2. Giovanna Gavana & Pietro Gottardo & Anna Maria Moisello, 2023. "Board diversity and corporate social performance in family firms. The moderating effect of the institutional and business environment," Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 30(5), pages 2194-2218, September.
    3. Lexis Alexander Tetteh & Cletus Agyenim‐Boateng & Samuel Nana Yaw Simpson, 2024. "Institutional pressures and accountability processes in pursuit of sustainable development goals: Insights from Ghanaian indigenous oil companies," Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 31(1), pages 89-107, January.
    4. Jonathan Taglialatela & Kevin Pirazzi Maffiola & Roberto Barontini & Francesco Testa, 2023. "Board of Directors' characteristics and environmental SDGs adoption: an international study," Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 30(5), pages 2490-2506, September.
    5. Ladini, Mark Juliana & Associate Professor ORBUNDE, Bemshima & Dr. Daniel Emmanuel Kayode, 2024. "Effect of Board Size and Board Meeting Frequency on Environmental Disclosure of Listed Manufacturing Firms in Nigeria," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 8(1), pages 236-254, January.
    6. Buil, Pilar & Sanjurjo-San Martin, Elena L. & Alfaro-Tanco, José A., 2024. "Dissemination analysis of SDGs in sustainability reports to enhance corporate communication strategy," Cuadernos de Gestión, Universidad del País Vasco - Instituto de Economía Aplicada a la Empresa (IEAE).

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