Integrating Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Concepts in the Context of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Impact on Managerial Decisions
Keywords:
sustainable strategy; decision-making; corporate governance; risk management; stakeholder valueAbstract
Objectives: This paper examines the integration of environmental, social, and governance factors within the context of sustainable development objectives and analyzes their role in shaping managerial decision-making. This study aims to clarify the conceptual foundations of these factors, explore their interconnection with global development priorities, and assess their strategic relevance for organizations. Prior Work: The research builds on existing literature on sustainable management, responsible investment, and corporate governance, which highlights the transition from traditional financial performance metrics to multidimensional evaluation frameworks. Previous studies emphasize the growing importance of sustainability practices and the influence of institutional pressures, stakeholder expectations, and regulatory developments on organizational behavior. Approach: This study adopts a qualitative and analytical approach based on a comprehensive review and synthesis of theoretical and empirical contributions. It examines the main dimensions of environmental, social, and governance factors, their alignment with sustainable development objectives, and their incorporation into organizational strategies and decision-making processes. Results: The findings indicate that integrating these factors enhances the quality of managerial decisions by expanding the evaluation framework beyond financial indicators. This integration supports risk management, improves resource allocation, and strengthens stakeholder relationships. However, significant challenges persist, including the lack of standardized indicators, high implementation costs, difficulties in measuring impact, and the risk of superficial adoption practices. Implications: The study highlights the need for a strategic and authentic integration of sustainability principles within organizational structures and decision-making processes. It also underscores the importance of improving measurement tools and harmonizing reporting practices to enhance transparency and comparability. Value: This paper contributes by providing a comprehensive and critical perspective on the role of environmental, social, and governance factors in modern management, emphasizing their potential to support long-term value creation and sustainable development.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Anca Gabriela Turtureanu, Carmen Mihaela Crețu, Emanuel Ștefan Marinescu, Codruța Mihaela Dobrescu, Magdalin Leonard Dorobăț
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