The impact of ESG disclosure on financial performance: insights from a bibliometric study

This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of research on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) disclosure and firm performance, aiming to map the development, impact, and thematic trends within this evolving field. Using data from the SCOPUS database, over 1,000 publications from 2013 to 2024 were analyzed. Key patterns, including the growth of publications over time, influential authors and institutions, and prevalent research themes, were identified using the VOSviewer tool. The analysis revealed a significant increase in research activity, peaking in 2024, highlighting the growing importance of ESG topics. The study employed several bibliometric techniques, including citation analysis to identify influential works and authors, and keyword co-occurrence analysis to uncover central themes like "ESG," "sustainability," and "corporate social responsibility." The findings underscore the prominence of institutions like Sapienza Università di Roma and the University of Portsmouth, with leading contributions from countries such as China, Italy, and the United States. These results provide valuable insights into the structure and evolution of ESG research, offering guidance for future investigations and identifying emerging trends and gaps in the literature. The study's methodological rigor, combined with the significance of its findings, contributes to a deeper understanding of ESG disclosure's implications for firm performance, laying a solid foundation for further academic exploration and practical application in the field.