Contemporary trends on corporate sustainability assessment

Abstract

The development of corporate sustainability reporting is distinguished by regulation, standardization, harmonization, and rising research interest in assessment opportunities. This study aims to examine contemporary trends in corporate sustainability assessment. A source-clustering method was applied. In conclusion, assessment through external ratings leads to significant differences in measurement methodology and results. Assessment through internal non-rating measurements provides opportunities to achieve different organizational goals. The sustainability disclosures have highlight positive effect on corporate financial performance. Empirical studies on Bulgarian public companies are limited. The issues related to development of sustainability frameworks and standards, the different theories behind sustainability reporting, and the sustainability impact on value creation for different stakeholders were not addressed.