The Integration of Sustainability into Corporate Governance Mechanisms: Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

Over recent decades, environmental and societal pressures have made sustainability more relevant than ever, affecting all economic activities. As a major actor in value creation, firms are particularly concerned by this evolution and increasingly integrate sustainability into their strategic priorities, alongside economic performance and shareholder value. Sustainability thus emerges as a point of convergence between the principles of sustainable development and the pursuit of overall performance, progressively becoming a key element of responsible governance policies, initiatives, and strategies.

This article aims to explore the integration of sustainability into corporate governance. To this end, it relies on a systematic literature review of 46 articles selected according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The methodological approach follows the PRISMA protocol and is based on a rigorous selection strategy using recognized academic databases, namely Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect. Descriptive and thematic analyses are employed to identify the main research trends and to highlight the emergence of a new governance model structured around sustainability principles, while taking into account stakeholder expectations and economic, social, and environmental challenges.

Classification JEL: G34, Q01, Q56, M14

Paper type: Theoretical Research