The Sustainability-Performance Link: A Systematic Review

This study addresses the gap between widely acknowledged sustainability benefits and their low implementation rate in organizations. Employing a systematic literature review (SLR), we examined open-access articles published between 2019 and 2025 from the Scopus database to explore the multifaceted relationship between sustainability initiatives and organizational performance. Our analysis reveals inconsistencies in sustainability definitions, a dominant short-term focus despite the importance of long-term impacts, and significant challenges such as resistance to change, measurement difficulties, and stakeholder engagement. The findings underscore the critical role of organizational culture, leadership, and strategic alignment in bridging the gap between immediate operational demands and enduring sustainable growth. This research advances theoretical understanding and provides practical guidance for organizations striving to achieve both financial success and positive societal and environmental impact. Overall, the results contribute to a deeper understanding of the sustainability-performance nexus.