Daengku: Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences Innovation
Vol. 6 No. 5 (2026)

ESG Regulation, Corporate Governance, and Sustainable Business Performance in Emerging Markets

Amelia Amelia (Universitas Swadaya Gunung Jati)
Aisyah Nurjanah (Sekolah Tinggi Agama Islam Kuningan)
Elok Nur Affah Al Akromi (University of Technology, Entrepreneurship, and Leadership)
Upit Elya Rohimi (Universitas Swadaya Gunung Jati)
Widia Ningsih (Universitas Islam Negeri Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung)



Article Info

Publish Date
06 Aug 2026

Abstract

This study investigates the interrelationship among Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) regulation, corporate governance mechanisms, and sustainable business performance in emerging market economies. Using a quantitative research design with panel data regression analysis, this research examines 180 publicly listed companies across eight emerging markets during the period 2018 to 2024. The findings reveal that stringent ESG regulatory frameworks positively and significantly influence sustainable business performance, with corporate governance serving as a mediating variable. The Corporate Governance Index (CGI) demonstrates a strong positive correlation (R² = 0.712) with sustainable business performance indicators. Furthermore, the interaction between ESG regulation intensity and board independence produces a synergistic effect on firm sustainability outcomes. The study contributes to the growing body of literature on institutional theory and stakeholder theory by providing empirical evidence from emerging market contexts, where regulatory environments differ substantially from developed economies. Policy implications suggest that emerging market regulators should adopt graduated ESG disclosure mandates coupled with governance reform incentives to accelerate sustainable business transformation.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

daengku

Publisher

Subject

Humanities Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Law, Crime, Criminology & Criminal Justice Other

Description

The Daengku seeks to publish high-quality research papers, review articles, and book reviews that make a contribution to knowledge through the application and development of theories, new data exploration, and/or scientific analysis of salient policy issues. The Scope of the Daengku includes the ...