Environmental Compliance, ESG Practices, and Stakeholder Capitalism: Challenges For Sustainable Corporate Management

Objective: This study aims to analyze how companies can implement and strengthen socio-environmental practices through environmental compliance, meeting legal requirements and promoting corporate sustainability. Theoretical Framework: It is based on the theory of stakeholder capitalism, which highlights the need to balance economic and socio-environmental interests to ensure corporate sustainability. Environmental compliance is considered an essential instrument to mitigate operational and financial risks, promoting greater corporate responsibility and strengthening corporate reputation. Method: The research adopts a qualitative approach, based on a bibliographic review, exploring specialized literature on environmental compliance, ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) and corporate sustainability. The analysis is conducted through a critical investigation of the literature to identify best practices and the challenges faced by companies in implementing environmental compliance strategies. Results and Discussion: The results indicate that environmental compliance, when well structured, ensures regulatory compliance and drives responsible business practices, strengthening companies' reputation and reducing environmental liabilities. However, its implementation still faces significant challenges, such as high adaptation costs, organizational resistance, and regulatory complexity. The research reveals that public policies and regulatory incentives are essential to stimulate environmental compliance and promote sustainable innovation. Research Implications: The study contributes to the field of business law and sustainability by highlighting the strategic role of environmental compliance as a tool for balancing economic and socio-environmental interests. The results point to the need for greater coordination between the private sector and the public authorities to consolidate sustainable business practices and strengthen corporate governance. Originality/Value: The research offers an in-depth analysis of the role of environmental compliance in promoting corporate sustainability, articulating theory and practice to propose an effective implementation model. The integration of environmental compliance, ESG criteria, and stakeholder capitalism stands out as a path to building a more ethical and sustainable business model.