Leveraging Text Mining for Trend Analysis and Comparison of Sustainability Reports: Evidence from Fortune 500 Companies

Abstract

In the recent upsurge in environmental concerns, business sustainability has become more prominent than ever. Organizations worldwide are expected to function sustainably, causing the least negative impact on the environment and promoting harmony among the firm, environment, and society. Most firms report their actions related to sustainability in corporate social responsibility (CSR) reports. This research aims to understand and analyze contemporary trends in CSR reports by Fortune 500 companies using text mining. It compares how the focus of sustainability reports varies across countries and industries along key dimensions of sustainability (i.e., environmental, economic, social, and government). Findings from the study suggest variations in the focus of sustainability reports based on various factors, such as country of origin and company size, sector, and tenure, on the Fortune 500 list. Thus, it helps to gain a deeper understanding of the company’s motivations for focusing on various dimensions of corporate sustainability.