Sustainable prosperity: unravelling the Nordic nexus of ESG, financial performance, and corporate governance

Saha, Anup Kumar; Khan, Imran

Abstract

Purpose
In the swiftly evolving business landscape, environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations have gained exceptional prominence, as stakeholders increasingly emphasize accountability and sustainability. This study aims to meticulously probe the intricate interplay between ESG factors, financial performance and the distinct corporate governance landscape that characterizes the Nordic region's crucible of proactive societal and environmental commitment.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors begin with a data set of 899 Nordic firms across Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland and Iceland. Using the Thomson Reuters database, they refine this data set by excluding non-regional headquarters and entities without ESG scores or year-long financial data. This resulted in a focused data set of 1,360 firm-years spanning a decade, forming the foundation for investigating the link between ESG factors and financial performance in Nordic firms.

Findings
Drawing upon empirical data, the authors systematically dissect the correlation between specified financial ratios and ESG scores on the bedrock of sustainability evaluation. The findings underscore a partially significant, yet robust relationship between ESG endeavors and financial performance metrics. Furthermore, the intricate interplay of corporate governance dimensions’ reveals intriguing correlations with financial indicators among the surveyed Nordic enterprises. However, the findings also reveal an intricate weave that underscores the ESG and financial performance nexus.

Research limitations/implications
This study addresses stakeholders’ theory and unique positions and contributes to the current discussion on sustainability reporting literature by providing empirical evidence of ESG influences on firm profitability through board characteristics in the specific context of the Nordic region. The sample for this study encompasses firms listed in Nordic countries; thus, the results may not be generalizable to unlisted firms and other countries or regions.

Practical implications
This study suggests that Nordic firms are advanced in reporting ESG in response to diverse stakeholder demands as part of their regular activities. This study provides valuable insights for diverse stakeholders including researchers and regulatory bodies.

Social implications
This study provides an understanding of stakeholders about the association of ESG and sustainability practices with firm profitability, which might lead to making the world a better place.

Originality/value
While illuminating the multifaceted ESG-financial performance nexus, this study reveals its intricate nature. This complexity accentuates the compelling need for further exploration to decode the exact outcomes and myriad factors contributing to the array of correlations observed. Through this comprehensive inquiry, this research advances the understanding and underscores the pivotal role of a focused investigation. This study seeks to harmonize ESG practices and financial performance seamlessly within the Nordic business realm.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jan 11, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Jan 26, 2024
• Deposit Date: Mar 12, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Mar 18, 2024
• Journal: European Business Review
• Print ISSN: 0955-534X
• Electronic ISSN: 1758-7107
• Publisher: Emerald
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/ebr-09-2023-0276
• Keywords: Firm performance; Environmental; Social; Nordic countries; Governance (ESG); ESG scores; Governance