Environmental, social, and governance reporting adoption factors for sustainable development at the country level

The adoption of environmental, social, and governance reporting (ESGR) varies among nations due to the influence of various factors, specific to countries. Previous research has focused primarily on the institutional factors, revealing a gap in understanding the role of macroeconomic factors in the adoption of ESGR at the national level. The current study investigates various factors (including their interrelationship) that influences the successful adoption of ESGR at the country level. The study also proposes an empirical model for the efficient and effective adoption of ESGR. This pioneering study employs a structural model using Total interpretive structural modeling (TISM) method to explore the hierarchical relationship among factors. Further, Matrice d’Impacts Croisés Multiplication Appliquée áun Classement (MICMAC) analysis is administered to identify driver-dependent relationship among the factors. The study categorizes key factors influencing countries’ ESGR adoption for sustainable development at three levels (1) strategic factors which require action at the grassroots level as political stability, the attitude of elected government, and natural and human Resources, (2) operational factors which support and strengthen the adoption process as economic development, competitive landscape, technical awareness, and public behavior, and (3) performance factors directly responsible for the adoption as regulatory framework and public administrative structure of a country. The study contributes to academic knowledge by advancing theoretical perspectives, enabling comparative analyses, and fostering methodological advancements. It provides assistance to government and policymakers in establishing a robust and comprehensive ESGR landscape that supports sustainable and responsible business practices globally.