Environmental, social and corporate governance - ESG

Knowledge production from 2022 to 2024

Abstract

Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) is a relevant topic that broadens the concept of business sustainability. It aims to address societal demands, where profit and the product alone are insufficient to define a responsible company. Instead, these must be complemented by actions that integrate economic prosperity, effective governance, environmental quality, and social justice. The purpose of this bibliographic review was to identify the knowledge production regarding ESG in Brazil from 2022 to 2024 by analyzing published research on environmental, social, and governance criteria. To achieve this, the study classified ESG articles based on their characteristics, evaluated the publications according to their objectives and approaches to ESG, and analyzed the results of the selected research. The findings indicate the necessity of continuing to develop public policies, activities, and standards that regulate the application of ESG by companies. Furthermore, standardizing metrics and indicators is crucial, as studies have shown that the relationships between ESG actions and their impacts - particularly in governance - are not yet conclusive. This reflects the complexity of this pillar and highlights the need for further research on additional variables. Brazilian companies are at the initial stages of implementing the ESG pillars. It is vital to invest in ESG initiatives to promote responsible corporate behavior, thereby reducing socio-environmental risks aligned with organizational objectives.