Is ESG an Essential Topic for Companies Operating Primarily in the Digital Environment?

This study investigates the escalating relevance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in contemporary business landscapes. The study aims to explore the impact of ESG on firms’ economic performance, differentiating between digital marketing and eCommerce companies and their traditional counterparts. The practical view of ESG and its design is presented, emphasizing the diversity within institutions and approaches shaping ESG. The study also outlines the economic and financial process and its participants, crucial for understanding the interconnected structures within the ESG framework. The study then introduces key ESG index providers—MSCI, Thomson Reuters, and Bloomberg—exploring their methodologies and scoring systems. A comprehensive review of empirical literature on the impact of ESG and CSR on economic indicators is presented, discussing studies focused on the Bloomberg ESG Disclosure Score. The importance of ESG in digital versus traditional environments is explored, considering the distinct challenges and opportunities faced by businesses in these operational realms. The study seeks to fill the gap in the literature by examining how ESG considerations shape the economic performance of companies in both digital and traditional settings. Ultimately, this research aims to provide valuable insights for strategic decision-making and foster a nuanced understanding of the role ESG plays in shaping the trajectories of businesses.