This chapter discusses ethical dimensions of corporate governance, with a focus on the integration of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, and Sustainability into organisational strategies. It examines three core ethical theories including utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics and their application in guiding ethical corporate behaviour. The chapter traces the evolution of CSR from voluntary philanthropy to a governance imperative shaped by regulatory requirements, investor expectations, and societal demands for transparency. It highlights ethical challenges in ESG implementation, including greenwashing, inconsistent reporting standards, selective disclosure, and digital-era risks such as algorithmic bias, data privacy breaches, and cybersecurity threats. Mechanisms for ensuring ethical governance are elaborated, including strong board oversight, transparent ESG reporting, whistleblower protection, technological integration, and strengthened regulatory frameworks. The chapter also considers the role of governments in shaping CSR practices and the mutual reinforcement between CSR and good public governance. Ultimately, it positions ethical corporate governance as both a compliance necessity and a strategic driver of sustainability, stakeholder trust, and long-term organisational resilience.

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Ethical Dimensions, Corporate Social Responsibility, Environment, Social, Governance and Sustainability

  • Zalfa Laili Hamzah,
  • Noor Adwa Sulaiman,
  • Maria Mohd Ismail

摘要

This chapter discusses ethical dimensions of corporate governance, with a focus on the integration of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, and Sustainability into organisational strategies. It examines three core ethical theories including utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics and their application in guiding ethical corporate behaviour. The chapter traces the evolution of CSR from voluntary philanthropy to a governance imperative shaped by regulatory requirements, investor expectations, and societal demands for transparency. It highlights ethical challenges in ESG implementation, including greenwashing, inconsistent reporting standards, selective disclosure, and digital-era risks such as algorithmic bias, data privacy breaches, and cybersecurity threats. Mechanisms for ensuring ethical governance are elaborated, including strong board oversight, transparent ESG reporting, whistleblower protection, technological integration, and strengthened regulatory frameworks. The chapter also considers the role of governments in shaping CSR practices and the mutual reinforcement between CSR and good public governance. Ultimately, it positions ethical corporate governance as both a compliance necessity and a strategic driver of sustainability, stakeholder trust, and long-term organisational resilience.