Mapping CSR, ESG, financial performance and analyst behavior: a bibliometric review (1993–2023)

Abstract

This study investigates the evolution and intellectual structure of research linking corporate social responsibility (CSR), environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices, financial performance and financial analyst behavior. It aims to identify influential contributions, thematic clusters, and emerging trends in this interdisciplinary field. A bibliometric analysis was conducted using data retrieved from the Scopus database covering the period 1993–2023. The final dataset included 568 documents. Biblioshiny (R package Bibliometrix) was used for descriptive statistics, while VOSviewer was employed for science mapping, including co-citation, co-word, and collaboration networks. Thematic evolution was also examined across two time periods to capture the dynamics of the field. Results reveal that while CSR, ESG, financial performance, and analyst coverage are increasingly studied, the literature remains fragmented. Dominant research streams focus on firm value implications of CSR, ESG disclosure practices and the role of financial analysts in shaping corporate sustainability. Emerging areas include ESG assurance and analyst bias. This study is the first to apply bibliometric methods to examine the intersection of sustainability, financial performance, and analyst behavior. It provides a structured overview of the field, identifies knowledge gaps and proposes a research agenda for scholars, investors and regulators.