Connecting the Dots in ESG Review Research: Insights From Systematic Literature Review and Bibliometric Analysis

Abstract

The exponential growth of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) review papers has underscored the urgent need for a comprehensive analysis of this expanding body of academic work. This study addresses this need by synthesizing ESG-related review papers published between 2004 and 2024, utilizing systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis methodologies. Drawing on 114 review papers sourced from Scopus and Web of Science databases, the study examines their contributions through the lens of a modified contributor-context-characteristics-methodology (CCCM) framework. This integrated approach allows for a comprehensive mapping of influential contributors, thematic trends, methodological frameworks, and gaps in interdisciplinary exploration. The key findings reveal a dominant emphasis on ESG disclosure and ESG–financial performance relationships, with bibliometric methods most frequently employed. The study also offers a structured roadmap for future research aimed at addressing fragmented knowledge and aligning scholarly inquiry with global sustainability objectives. By consolidating two decades of ESG review research into a single, systematically analyzed resource, this study bridges academic inquiry with practical applications, equipping policymakers, practitioners, and researchers with the insights necessary to drive meaningful progress in ESG practices and frameworks.