A Bibliometric Analysis of ESG Reporting and Corporate Performance: Trends, Themes, and Gaps

Abstract This study explores the evolving relationship between Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) disclosure and corporate performance using a bibliometric approach. Because ESG reporting has gained increasing importance among investors, regulators, and stakeholders, understanding its impact on business outcomes has become critical. The research analyzes the literature from 2016 to 2024, extracted from the Scopus database, to provide a comprehensive overview of scholarly developments in this domain. Through descriptive and performance analyses, the study identifies key trends, influential authors, leading institutions, and highly cited publications that have shaped the ESG-performance discourse. Advanced bibliometric techniques, such as co-authorship analysis, bibliographic coupling, citation, and co-citation analysis, are employed to map the intellectual structure and collaboration patterns within the field. The findings reveal a growing convergence between sustainability reporting and strategic corporate objectives, highlighting both positive performance correlations and unresolved challenges. The study concludes by outlining key research gaps, methodological limitations, and future directions, including the need for industry-specific ESG metrics and longitudinal performance studies. This study contributes to the academic and practical understanding of ESG's strategic relevance, offering valuable insights for policymakers, corporate leaders, and scholars interested in responsible business practices and long-term value creation.