Ethics as a catalyst towards corporate sustainability: a systematic review of trends

Authors

Miguel Angel Demetrio Olarte Pacco Universidad Nacional de San Agustín de Arequipa

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33936/rehuso.v11i1.7334

Keywords:

social responsibility, business management, sustainable development, ethics, development indicators

Abstract

This study aims to analyze and synthesize the existing literature on the relationship between business ethics and corporate sustainability, identifying patterns, trends and gaps in current knowledge. For this purpose, a systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA methodology, using Scopus as the main source and considering publications between 2020 and 2024. Thirty-one relevant articles were identified through a search strategy based on key terms related to ethics, business and sustainability. The findings highlight that business ethics acts as a catalyst for sustainability through regulatory frameworks, stakeholder pressure and evidence of its positive impact on long-term corporate performance. The bibliometric analysis reveals an interdisciplinary approach to the field, with significant contributions from the social, environmental and computer sciences. Geographical leadership is also observed in the United States, the United Kingdom and Germany. Trends such as the development of technologically integrated operational frameworks and the study of the relationship between corporate size and ESG ratings are identified. In conclusion, ethics has evolved from a normative perspective to a central focus of sustainable business models. It is recommended to continue researching the implementation of these trends in SMEs, strengthen methodologies to assess real impacts and explore the ethical implications of emerging technological innovations.

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References

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