What drives ESG pursuit in emerging markets? Evidence from Vietnamese listed firms

Authors

  • Hien Thu Thi Nguyen Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City, School of Finance and Accounting

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17811/ebl.15.2.2026.109-120

Keywords:

company size, ESG pursuit, investment calling, stakeholder engagement

Abstract

This study investigates the organisational drivers of ESG pursuit in an emerging market context using evidence from Vietnamese listed firms. Drawing on stakeholder theory and corporate governance literature, it examines the effects of firm size, board characteristics, board gender diversity, digital transformation, and stakeholder engagement on ESG pursuit, as well as the association between ESG pursuit and firms’ investment commitment. Based on survey data from 133 listed firms and applying partial least squares structural equation modelling, the findings indicate that firm size and stakeholder engagement are the most influential drivers of ESG pursuit, while governance attributes and digital transformation play supporting roles. ESG pursuit does not exhibit a statistically significant relationship with investment commitment.

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Published

24-05-2026

How to Cite

Nguyen, H. T. T. (2026). What drives ESG pursuit in emerging markets? Evidence from Vietnamese listed firms. Economics and Business Letters, 15(2), 109–120. https://doi.org/10.17811/ebl.15.2.2026.109-120

Issue

Vol. 15 No. 2 (2026): June - Special Issue Selected Papers from ICBESS 2025 (Guest Editor: Toan LD Huynh)

Section

Special Section

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