Erin, Olayinka, Adebayo, Adeyemi, Ackers, Barry and Soobaroyen, Teerooven (2025). Sustainable Development Goal Research in Accounting: A Systematic Literature Review and Direction for Future Research. Journal of Financial Reporting and Accounting ,
Abstract
Purpose: The recent rise in studies on non-financial disclosures, particularly those related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), underscores the need for further investigation into the existing SDG literature. This study provides a comprehensive review of the current body of research on the Sustainable Development Goals. Design/methodology/approach: We adopted the methodology outlined by Denyer and Tranfield (2009), which involves three key stages in conducting a review study: (i) planning the review, (ii) performing the review, and (iii) reporting and dissemination. Our analysis covered 70 studies published in 24 high-ranking journals between 2018 and 2024. The review identified seven key themes in SDG research: (i) SDG practices, (ii) determinants of SDGs, (iii) socioeconomic implications of SDGs, (iv) compliance of SDGs with regulations, (v) proposed indices or models for SDGs, (vi) SDG disclosures, and (vii) studies addressing SDGs 1 through 17. Findings: The findings reveal notable knowledge gaps in the existing SDG literature, highlighting opportunities for future research. Notably, the analysis shows that most studies focus on developed countries and private sector organizations. Additionally, there has been a significant increase in SDG research during the final three years of the sample period (2022–2024). Practical implications: Organizations should recognize that a commitment to SDG-related initiatives is instrumental in addressing societal challenges. Given that governments alone may not have the capacity to fully implement all 17 SDGs, the active participation of the private sector is essential. Originality/value: This review presents valuable opportunities for accounting researchers to pursue future studies addressing the literature gaps identified. It offers critical insights that will benefit business executives, sustainability practitioners, governance and sustainability regulators, accounting standard-setters, private and public institutions, academics, and researchers.
Publication DOI: | https://doi.org/10.1108/JFRA-05-2024-0243 |
---|---|
Divisions: | College of Business and Social Sciences > Aston Business School > Accounting |
Additional Information: | Copyright © 2025, Olayinka Erin, Adeyemi Adebayo, Barry Ackers and Teerooven Soobaroyen. This article is published under the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) licence. Anyone may reproduce, distribute, translate and create derivative works of this article (for both commercial & non-commercial purposes), subject to full attribution to the original publication and authors. The full terms of this licence may be seen at https://creativecommons.org/licences/by/4.0/legalcode |
Uncontrolled Keywords: | hybrid sector entities,Private sector entities,Public sector entities,SDG research,Stakeholder theory,systematic review,SDG 1 - No Poverty,SDG 2 - Zero Hunger,SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being,SDG 4 - Quality Education,SDG 5 - Gender Equality,SDG 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation,SDG 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy,SDG 8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth,SDG 9 - Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure,SDG 10 - Reduced Inequalities,SDG 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities,SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production,SDG 13 - Climate Action,SDG 14 - Life Below Water,SDG 15 - Life on Land,SDG 16 - Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions,SDG 17 - Partnerships for the Goals |
Publication ISSN: | 1985-2517 |
Last Modified: | 25 Apr 2025 14:09 |
Date Deposited: | 31 Jan 2025 15:08 |
Full Text Link: | |
Related URLs: |
https://www.eme ... -0243/full/html
(Publisher URL) |
PURE Output Type: | Review article |
Published Date: | 2025-04-23 |
Published Online Date: | 2025-04-23 |
Accepted Date: | 2025-01-24 |
Authors: |
Erin, Olayinka
Adebayo, Adeyemi Ackers, Barry Soobaroyen, Teerooven ( ![]() |
Download
![[img]](https://publications.aston.ac.uk/style/images/fileicons/text.png)
Version: Accepted Version
Access Restriction: Restricted to Repository staff only
![[img]](https://publications.aston.ac.uk/style/images/fileicons/text.png)
Version: Published Version
License: Creative Commons Attribution