Corporate Governance and Sustainability Performance: A Bibliometric and Thematic Analysis of Literature

Abstract

This study aims to develop the knowledge base on corporate governance and sustainable performance through a systematic review of 58 scholarly publications. Using bibliometric analysis of Scopus indexed literature from 2012 to 2025, sustainable performance, ownership structure and sustainable performance, board gender diversity and sustainable performance, and corporate governance and sustainable performance were identified as four themes. The findings highlighted that most existing studies focus on the corporate governance influencing sustainability. The study also found notable research gaps, including limited study on digital transformation, corporate social irresponsibility, and the combined impact of corporate governance and sustainability performance on financial outcomes. The results indicate a growing trend in sustainability related publications, with 2025 recording the highest output. In spite of its contributions, the study is relied on English language publications and a single database, potentially limiting comprehensiveness. This study could possibly be strengthened by using more kinds of systematic literature reviews.