Corporate reputation mediates the effect of environmental, social, and governance (hereinafter ESG) on operating performance: Evidence from Taiwan corporate

Abstract This study investigates the influence of environmental, social, and governance (hereinafter ESG) practices on company performance, considering corporate reputation as a mediating factor. Utilising data a decade (2013–2022) from Taiwanese companies featured in the 2022 Dow Jones Index and TEJ, the analysis reveals a significant positive correlation between robust ESG practices and company performance. Integrating ESG strategies into daily operations, coupled with rigorous evaluation and tracking, is beneficial for business performance. This study further examines how major environmental events can influence corporate reputation as an intermediary factor in the ESG context. It specifically examines the external costs from notable incidents, exemplified by the discharge of treated water from Japan’s Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant on August 24, 2023. The findings provide actionable insights for companies and governmental agencies, emphasizing the importance of developing and refining ESG strategies and assessments that align with the evolving sustainability challenges and opportunities.