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ISSN: 0973-8711 Frequency: Monthly Peer Review: Double-blind Published since: 2007 Language: English
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Original Article

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Mapping the ESG – CFP Nexus : Bibliometric, Thematic, and Meta-Analytical Synthesis

Payal Saxena1,  Prasad Begde2

1 Research Scholar , VIT Bhopal University, Bhopal-Indore Highway, Kothrikalan, Sehore - 466 114, Madhya Pradesh.

2 Dean, VIT Bhopal University, Bhopal-Indore Highway, Kothrikalan, Sehore - 466 114, Madhya Pradesh.

Volume 20
Issue 2
Pages 26–49
Year 2026
Received: Aug. 14, 2025 Accepted: Feb. 8, 2026 Published: Feb. 15, 2026
Abstract

Purpose: The objective was to analyze ESG performance and firms’ corporate financial performance using bibliometric and meta-analytic methods to identify the most influential authors, journals, and articles in the field and to calculate the financial impact of environmental, social, and governance (ESG).

Methodology: A total of 1,128 documents were sourced from the Scopus database and refined using PRISMA to conduct a bibliometric analysis. Of these, 550 articles were included in the meta-analysis using a random-effects model.

Findings: We reported a growing trend in the publication examining the relation between ESG and Corporate Financial Performance (CFP) literature. The meta-analysis results indicated a positive relationship between ESG and CFP. Practical

Implications: The findings suggested that managers, investors, and policymakers should recognize firms’ practice of ESG criteria as it creates long-term firm value and sustainable financial performance.

Originality: This study was among the first to integrate bibliometric, thematic, and meta-analysis to examine ESG–CFP relationship, thereby advancing previous literature.

Keywords ESG disclosure score corporate financial performance bibliometric analysis meta-analysis content analysis
How to Cite

Payal Saxena, Prasad Begde (2026). Mapping the ESG – CFP Nexus : Bibliometric, Thematic, and Meta-Analytical Synthesis. Indian Journal of Finance, 20(2), 26–49. https://doi.org/10.17010/ijf/2026/v20i2/175363

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