How Corporate Governance Practices in Compliance with Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Influence the Sustainability Performance of Swedish Companies (2019-2021)
2023 (English)Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (One Year)), 40 credits / 60 HE credits
Student thesis
Abstract [en]
As the focus on responsible business conduct grows, the relationship between corporate governance practices and sustainability performance has become increasingly significant. Although Sweden is renowned for aligning corporate and societal interests, there is a significant gap in research on how corporate governance practices, in adherence to Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards, affect the sustainability outcomes of Swedish firms. This thesis addresses this gap by investigating the impact of GRI-compliant corporate governance practices on the sustainability performance of Swedish companies from 2019 to 2021. The study aims to provide a nuanced and comprehensive understanding of the role of corporate governance in enhancing sustainability outcomes in the Swedish context. The primary research question guiding this study is: How do corporate governance practices in compliance with GRI standards influence the sustainability performance of Swedish firms across different sectors and industries? To address this question, the study employs a quantitative approach, utilizing regression analysis to explore the relationships between specific corporate governance variables and sustainability performance. The study sample consists of 300 Swedish companies that have adopted GRI standards in their sustainability reporting during the period 2019 to 2021. The key corporate governance variables analyzed include management compensation, executive team size, and the presence of external audits of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting. The regression analysis reveals that linking management compensation to sustainability targets, having larger executive members, and implementing external audits of ESG reporting all positively impact sustainability performance. These findings highlight the critical role of corporate governance practices in promoting sustainable business conduct. Effective governance, aligned with GRI standards, enhances transparency, accountability, and sustainability performance. For policymakers, the study offers evidence to support regulations promoting rigorous governance practices. For practitioners, it identifies best practices to improve sustainability, and for academics, it provides empirical evidence for further research on the impact of corporate governance on sustainability performance.
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
2023. , p. 78
Keywords [en]
Corporate Governance, Sustainability Performance, Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), ESG Reporting, Agency Theory, Institutional Theory
National Category
Business Administration
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:hig:diva-46715OAI: oai:DiVA.org:hig-46715DiVA, id: diva2:1950082
Subject / course
Business administration
Educational program
Business administration – master’s programme (one year)
Supervisors
Examiners
Note
This thesis was completed as part of my master’s program at the University of Gävle, an opportunity made possible by a fully funded scholarship from the Swedish Institute (SI).
2025-04-092025-04-042025-10-02Bibliographically approved