Integrating ESG Compliance into Strategic Business Planning: A Sectoral Comparative Review

• Author(s): Rosebenedicta Odogwu ; Jeffrey Chidera Ogeawuchi ; Abraham Ayodeji Abayomi ; Oluwademilade Aderemi Agboola ; Samuel Owoade
• Paper ID: 1708767
• Page: 801-812
• Published Date: 31-07-2022
• Published In: Iconic Research And Engineering Journals
• Publisher: IRE Journals
• e-ISSN: 2456-8880
• Volume/Issue: Volume 6 Issue 1 July-2022

Abstract

As businesses grapple with the increasing complexities of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) mandates, integrating ESG compliance into strategic business planning has emerged as a critical imperative. This paper presents a sectoral comparative review of ESG integration, examining how industries such as energy, finance, manufacturing, technology, and healthcare incorporate ESG principles into their long-term strategic frameworks. Leveraging qualitative data from industry reports, corporate disclosures, and academic literature, the study evaluates the maturity, approaches, and challenges of ESG adoption across these key sectors. Findings indicate significant variation in ESG compliance strategies, driven by industry-specific regulatory pressures, stakeholder expectations, and operational footprints. The energy and finance sectors demonstrate higher ESG maturity due to stringent environmental regulations and investor scrutiny, whereas manufacturing and technology sectors reveal a more uneven application, often hindered by supply chain complexities and data privacy issues. The healthcare sector shows growing momentum, particularly in social and access-oriented metrics. Across sectors, key drivers include regulatory frameworks, investor activism, reputational concerns, and internal leadership. Barriers such as cost constraints, regulatory fragmentation, and lack of ESG expertise persist. Strategic implications of ESG integration are profound, influencing capital allocation, risk management, innovation strategies, and corporate governance models. The paper concludes with policy and governance recommendations aimed at standardizing ESG practices, enhancing transparency, and embedding sustainability as a core pillar of strategic planning. This review contributes to the growing discourse on sustainable corporate transformation by providing sector-specific insights and offering a roadmap for ESG-aligned strategic growth in the contemporary business environment.

Keywords

ESG integration, Strategic business planning, Sectoral comparative analysis, Sustainability governance, Regulatory compliance, corporate risk management

Citations

IRE Journals:
Rosebenedicta Odogwu , Jeffrey Chidera Ogeawuchi , Abraham Ayodeji Abayomi , Oluwademilade Aderemi Agboola , Samuel Owoade "Integrating ESG Compliance into Strategic Business Planning: A Sectoral Comparative Review" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 6 Issue 1 2022 Page 801-812

IEEE:
Rosebenedicta Odogwu , Jeffrey Chidera Ogeawuchi , Abraham Ayodeji Abayomi , Oluwademilade Aderemi Agboola , Samuel Owoade "Integrating ESG Compliance into Strategic Business Planning: A Sectoral Comparative Review" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 6(1)