Managerial perceptions of ESG and their influence on strategic decision-making in European multinational enterprises
Pirogov, Ignat (2026)
Pro gradu -tutkielma
2026
School of Business and Management, Kauppatieteet
Kaikki oikeudet pidätetään.
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi-fe2026060564238
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi-fe2026060564238
Tiivistelmä
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance has become a central consideration for multinational enterprises (MNEs), particularly in Europe, where regulatory frameworks and stakeholder expectations regarding corporate sustainability are rapidly evolving. While prior research has extensively examined the relationship between ESG performance and companies’ performance using quantitative methods, empirical findings remain inconclusive and often fail to capture managerial perceptions, strategic trade-offs, and firm-specific contexts.
The aim of this thesis is to explore how ESG factors influence the performance of European enterprises from a managerial perspective. The central research question is: How do managers of European multinational enterprises perceive the impact of ESG performance on their companies’ performance and strategic decision-making? By focusing on managerial experiences and interpretations, the study contributes to international business research by addressing the “black box” between ESG practices and performance outcomes.
The study will primarily adopt a qualitative research approach. Data will be collected through semi-structured interviews with senior managers responsible for sustainability, finance, or corporate strategy in European enterprises across different industries. The interviews will explore ESG implementation, perceived impacts, stakeholder responses, and strategic challenges. The interview data will be analyzed using cross-checking analyses.
This research is expected to provide nuanced insights into how ESG considerations shape managerial decision-making and perceived performance in European enterprises. The findings may help managers better align ESG initiatives with corporate strategy and support policymakers and investors in understanding the practical implications of ESG requirements beyond quantitative performance metrics.
The aim of this thesis is to explore how ESG factors influence the performance of European enterprises from a managerial perspective. The central research question is: How do managers of European multinational enterprises perceive the impact of ESG performance on their companies’ performance and strategic decision-making? By focusing on managerial experiences and interpretations, the study contributes to international business research by addressing the “black box” between ESG practices and performance outcomes.
The study will primarily adopt a qualitative research approach. Data will be collected through semi-structured interviews with senior managers responsible for sustainability, finance, or corporate strategy in European enterprises across different industries. The interviews will explore ESG implementation, perceived impacts, stakeholder responses, and strategic challenges. The interview data will be analyzed using cross-checking analyses.
This research is expected to provide nuanced insights into how ESG considerations shape managerial decision-making and perceived performance in European enterprises. The findings may help managers better align ESG initiatives with corporate strategy and support policymakers and investors in understanding the practical implications of ESG requirements beyond quantitative performance metrics.