A Literature Review on ESG Score and Its Impact on Firm Performance

Abstract

Introduction: The global financial crisis has affected the financial markets and has had social consequences in addition to economic ones. The concept of ‘sustainability’ concerns firms reaching their main corporate goals. So, to maximise corporate financial performance (FINP), firms pay attention to non-financial data, such as elements of governance, social, and environmental concerns (henceforth referred to as ESG). Therefore, non-financial information provided by EGS factors measured by the ESG score has a crucial role in incorporating strategy and firm performance.

Purpose: This chapter looks at how ESG scores affect the performance of firms. The term ‘ESG’ describes how corporate operations include ESG principles. The ESG score is a novel way to gauge a company’s sustainability.

Methodology: ESG practices are a current phenomenon that has taken the attention of researchers in the last decades. Besides the amount of research conducted, researchers still need consensus regarding its impact. This chapter implements a systematic literature review to compile the research on ESG performance (ESGP) and how it affects business performance.

Findings: Businesses can incorporate sustainability practices into their operations with the help of ESG reports. ESG reports and scores provide non-financial information, which is crucial for businesses to achieve sustainability in their activities and attract more investors. The chapter contributes to the literature by creating value through a comprehensive and theoretical literature review.

Citation

Gürsoy, A. and Erbuğa, G.S. (2024), "A Literature Review on ESG Score and Its Impact on Firm Performance", Taneja, S., Kumar, P., Reepu, Balusamy, B., Sood, K. and Grima, S. (Ed.) Sustainability Development through Green Economics (Contemporary Studies in Economic and Financial Analysis, Vol. 114), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 157-171. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1569-375920240000114010