Impact of ESG on corporate performance: a comparative analysis between developed and emerging markets

Autores

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21680/2176-9036.2026v18n1ID42510

Palavras-chave:

ESG; Performance; Corporate Sustainability; Economic Impact.

Resumo

Purpose: Compare the impact of ESG (environmental, social and governance) factors on the operational, financial and market performance of companies in developed and emerging markets between 2018 and 2023.

Methodology: Using a quantitative approach, financial and ESG disclosure data from 2,546 companies from different sectors in developed and emerging markets were analyzed. Multiple linear regression techniques were applied to investigate the correlation between ESG practices and corporate performance (ROA, ROE and Tobin’s Q), considering variables like company size, leverage and sales growth.

Results: The results indicate that emerging markets have a stronger association between ESG practices and financial performance compared with developed markets.

Contributions of the Study: This study contributes to the theoretical understanding of the ESG-performance relation and offers insights for public policies and corporate strategies, promoting responsible investments and sustainability. This enables comparative analysis between emerging and developed markets, highlighting the nuances in the implementation and results of ESG practices, with theoretical and practical implications for companies and policy makers.

 

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Biografia do Autor

Washington Romão dos Santos, Federal University of Espírito Santo

Bachelor’s degree in production engineering from the Federal University of Espírito Santo.

Michele Monteiro Lirio Maria, Federal University of Espírito Santo

PhD in Accounting from the Federal University of Espírito Santo. Substitute Professor in the Department of Accounting at the Federal University of Espírito Santo.

Vinícius Costa da Silva Zonatto, Federal University of Santa Maria (PPGCC/UFSM).

Postdoctoral degree in Accounting from the University of Vale do Rio dos Sinos (UNISINOS). Doctorate in Accounting and Administration from the Regional University of Blumenau (FURB). Professor in the Graduate Program in Accounting at the Federal University of Santa Maria (PPGCC/UFSM). Department of Accounting Sciences – UFSM.

Elizeu Maria Junior, Federal University of Espírito Santo

PhD in Administration from the Federal University of Espírito Santo. Professor in the Department of Production Engineering and the Professional Master's Program in Engineering and Sustainable Development at the Federal University of Espírito Santo.

Donizete Reina, Federal University of Espírito Santo.

PhD in Accounting from the Federal University of Uberlândia. Professor in the Department of Accounting and the Graduate Program in Accounting at the Federal University of Espírito Santo.

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Publicado

05-01-2026

Como Citar

Santos, W. R. dos, Maria, M. M. L., Zonatto, V. C. da S., Junior, E. M., & Reina, D. (2026). Impact of ESG on corporate performance: a comparative analysis between developed and emerging markets. REVISTA AMBIENTE CONTÁBIL - Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Norte - ISSN 2176-9036, 18(1). https://doi.org/10.21680/2176-9036.2026v18n1ID42510

Edição

Seção

Seção 7: Internacional (S7)