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The end of ESG

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  • Alex Edmans

Abstract

ESG is both extremely important and nothing special. It's extremely important because it's critical to long‐term value, and so any academic or practitioner should take it seriously, not just those with “ESG” in their research interests or job title. Thus, ESG doesn't need a specialized term, as that implies it's niche—considering long‐term factors isn't ESG investing; it's investing. It's nothing special since it's no better or worse than other intangible assets that create long‐term financial and social returns, such as management quality, corporate culture, and innovative capability. Companies shouldn't be praised more for improving their ESG performance than these other intangibles; investor engagement on ESG factors shouldn't be put on a pedestal compared to engagement on other value drivers. We want great companies, not just companies that are great at ESG.

Suggested Citation

  • Alex Edmans, 2023. "The end of ESG," Financial Management, Financial Management Association International, vol. 52(1), pages 3-17, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:finmgt:v:52:y:2023:i:1:p:3-17
    DOI: 10.1111/fima.12413
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    1. Marcin Borsuk & Nicolas Eugster & Paul-Olivier Klein & Oskar Kowalewski, 2023. "Family Ownership and Carbon Emissions," Working Papers 2023-ACF-01, IESEG School of Management.

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