ESG Management, Performance, and Corporate Sustainability: Insights and Innovations

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, the growing emphasis on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors has reshaped the way in which firms approach sustainability and performance (Albitar et al., 2020; Gerged, Tran et al., 2023). ESG management has emerged as a key determinant of long-term corporate success, impacting not only financial performance but also brand reputation, stakeholder engagement, and regulatory compliance (Moskovics et al., 2024). The integration of ESG metrics is now critical for companies seeking to demonstrate their commitment to sustainable practices while navigating the complex landscape of global business challenges (Gerged, Salem et al., 2023; Albitar et al., 2023).

This Special Issue aims to explore the multifaceted relationship between ESG management, corporate performance, and sustainability through original research, theoretical papers, empirical case studies, and comprehensive reviews that offer novel insights into the role of ESG in shaping corporate strategies, performance measurement, and sustainability outcomes across industries and regions.

The key topics of interest include but are not limited to the following: 

• The impact of ESG practices on financial and non-financial performance;
• ESG reporting and its influence on stakeholder trust and corporate transparency;
• The integration of ESG into corporate governance frameworks;
• The role of technology in advancing ESG data collection and reporting;
• Cross-regional comparisons of ESG practices and their outcomes;
• The effect of ESG-driven corporate strategies on firm resilience and long-term sustainability;
• ESG challenges and opportunities in emerging markets;
• ESG and risk management considering climate change and global economic shifts;
• Policy frameworks and regulations driving ESG practices across different industries;
• The role of investors and shareholders in promoting corporate ESG initiatives. 

We welcome contributions from both academics and practitioners, with the aim of fostering a comprehensive understanding of the role of ESG management in shaping sustainable corporate performance. Submissions will undergo a rigorous peer-review process to ensure the highest quality and relevance. 

For inquiries, please feel free to contact Dr. Ali Meftah Gerged at a.m.gerged@sheffield.ac.uk or Dr. Khaldoon Albitar at Khaldoon.Albitar@glasgow.ac.uk. 

We look forward to your contributions to this exciting Special Issue. 

References: 

Albitar, K.; Al-Shaer, H.; Liu, Y.S. Corporate commitment to climate change: The effect of eco-innovation and climate governance. Res. Policy 2023, 52. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.respol.2022.104697.

Albitar, K., Hussainey, K., Kolade, N., & Gerged, A. M. ESG disclosure and firm performance before and after IR: The moderating role of governance mechanisms. Int. J. Account. Inf. Manag. 2020, 28, 429–444.

Gerged, A.M.; Salem, R.; Beddewela, E. How does transparency into global sustainability initiatives influence firm value? Insights from Anglo‐American countries. Bus. Strat. Environ. 2023, 32, 4519–4547. https://doi.org/10.1002/bse.3379.

Gerged, A.M.; Tran, M.; Beddewela, E.S. Engendering Pro-Sustainable Performance Through a Multi-Layered Gender Diversity Criterion: Evidence From the Hospitality and Tourism Sector. J. Travel Res. 2022, 62, 1047–1076. https://doi.org/10.1177/00472875221111754.

Moskovics, P.; Wanke, P.; Tan, Y.; Gerged, A.M. Market structure, ESG performance, and corporate efficiency: Insights from Brazilian publicly traded companies. Bus. Strat. Environ. 2023, 33, 241–262. https://doi.org/10.1002/bse.3492.

Dr. Ali Meftah Gerged
Dr. Khaldoon Albitar
Guest Editors

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