The future of management reporting and sustainability reporting: Integrating ESG metrics for strategic decision-making

Emmanuel, Apooyin Agboola (2025) The future of management reporting and sustainability reporting: Integrating ESG metrics for strategic decision-making. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 25 (2). pp. 748-761. ISSN 2581-9615

The future of management and sustainability reporting is undergoing a transformative shift, driven by the increasing emphasis on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) metrics. As businesses face growing pressures from stakeholders to align with sustainable practices, ESG metrics have become essential for informed decision-making and long-term value creation. Traditional financial reporting, while critical, no longer provides a holistic view of a company’s impact and performance in the context of sustainability goals. Integrating ESG factors into management reporting systems allows organizations to assess their environmental footprint, social responsibilities, and governance structures more comprehensively. This integration offers strategic insights, enabling companies to navigate regulatory landscapes, mitigate risks, and capture new opportunities tied to sustainable development. By incorporating ESG into performance evaluations and reporting practices, businesses can ensure that sustainability is embedded in their core strategy, moving beyond short-term financial goals to long-term sustainability and stakeholder value. The future of reporting will demand transparency, with a robust framework for ESG disclosure that reflects the company’s efforts to create positive societal impact while driving profitability. As investors, consumers, and regulators increasingly prioritize ESG issues, management reporting that includes these metrics will become a pivotal factor in shaping business strategies, fostering trust, and ensuring accountability. This paradigm shift in reporting practices represents a critical step toward the realization of sustainable business models that drive positive change for both the environment and society.