ESG PARADOX ON PERFORMANCE AND DECOUPLING: AN INTEGRATIVE SLR APPROACH

Abstract

This study aims to explore and synthesize scholarly findings related to greenwashing and its relationship with the phenomenon of ESG decoupling through a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) approach. By examining more than 50 indexed articles from reputable international journals over the past two decades, this research identifies key determinants, patterns, and implications of greenwashing practices on the integrity of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) disclosures and performance. The analysis reveals that greenwashing is frequently driven by external pressures such as stakeholder expectations and weak regulatory environments, while poor internal governance systems contribute to the misalignment between ESG symbolism and actual corporate performance. The study emphasizes the urgency of strengthening ESG transparency and accountability, and the critical role of oversight mechanisms including boards of directors and independent audit institutions. These findings contribute significantly to the theoretical foundation of legitimacy and decoupling, while also offering new directions for future research agendas in the context of corporate sustainability and ESG monitoring.