ESG: Hyperboles and Reality

22 Pages Posted: 22 Nov 2021 Last revised: 15 Dec 2021

Date Written: November 8, 2021

Abstract

ESG has rapidly become a household name leading to both confusion about what it means and creating unrealistic expectations about its effects. In this paper, I draw on more than a decade of research to dispel several myths about ESG and provide answers to important questions around theories of influence, the relation between ESG and corporate value, and the usefulness of ESG assessments and ratings.

Suggested Citation

Serafeim, George, ESG: Hyperboles and Reality (November 8, 2021). Harvard Business School Research Paper Series Working Paper 22-031, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3966695 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3966695

George Serafeim (Contact Author)

Harvard Business School ( email )

Boston, MA 02163
United States

HOME PAGE: http://www.hbs.edu/faculty/Pages/profile.aspx?facId=15705

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