Environmental, Social, and Governance: Development of the Concept and its Integration in Poland and Worldwide

This chapter presents the development of the ESGESGEnvironmental, Social and Governance concept from a global and national perspective, with particular emphasis on its integration in Poland. ESGESGEnvironmental, Social and Governance, the prevailing paradigm of contemporary business responsibility, has evolved from the antecedent concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSRCSRCorporate Social Responsibility). The key stages of ESGESGEnvironmental, Social and Governance evolution, its three main dimensions (environmental, social and corporate governance) and practical applications in management are discussed. The chapter also addresses the challenges of ESGESGEnvironmental, Social and Governance implementation, including inconsistencies in assessments and ratings, and the phenomenon of greenwashing. The discourse surrounding the implementation of ESGESGEnvironmental, Social and Governance principles is multifaceted, encompassing both proponents and critics. Among the critical voices, concerns have been raised about the potential risks and limitations of ESGESGEnvironmental, Social and Governance, including the ambiguous impact on companies’ financial performance. The chapter’s central theme is the evolution of CSRCSRCorporate Social Responsibility and ESGESGEnvironmental, Social and Governance in Poland, with particular emphasis on the most significant initiatives, regulatory frameworks and institutional impediments. In conclusion, despite the existence of controversies, ESGESGEnvironmental, Social and Governance is a permanent element of contemporary organisational management and an important extension of the CSRCSRCorporate Social Responsibility paradigm, supporting the integration of sustainable developmentSustainable development with business practice at both local and global levels.