Assessing the integration of SDGs in Corporate sustainability reports among Indian Listed Companies

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this qualitative research is to conduct a thorough thematic analysis of Corporate 
Sustainability Reports (CSRs) of Indian listed companies for the FY 2022-23, with a focus on understanding the 
integration of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The study aims to uncover and interpret recurring themes, 
patterns, and nuances within the sustainability narratives, providing a rich and contextually nuanced exploration of 
how companies in India incorporate and communicate their contributions to SDGs.  
Design/methodology/approach: The data collection is relied on secondary sources such as annual reports, 
sustainability reports/ESG reports, Integrated reports published by the top 50 companies of Nifty-fifty index for FY 
2022-23. The research adopts a qualitative approach, employing NVivo software for thematic analysis, to investigate 
the integration of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the Corporate Sustainability Reports (CSRs) of 
Indian listed companies.  
Findings: The analysis revealed that the companies are majorly linking the SGDs with their company strategies under 
4 major themes. With regards to prioritization of SDGs, a notable finding was that some companies demonstrated a 
comprehensive commitment to a broad spectrum of SDGs, others tended to focus on a subset aligned closely with their 
industry or corporate objectives.  
Originality: Previous studies mostly focused on the existing frameworks such as GRIs or IIRC reporting guidelines 
for mapping SDGs (Lodhia et al., 2022; Santos & Silva Bastos, 2021). Since adopting any framework for sustainability 
reporting is not mandatory, it is good to acknowledge the differences (Awuah et al., 2023). This paper holds originality 
in understanding different themes that can originate from the existing reporting patterns among Indian companies. 
Practical implications: The paper aids many listed companies that are mandatorily reporting on their sustainability 
initiatives through ‘Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reports’ in maintaining more transparency and 
accountability. It also assists policy makers to work on guidelines that could be easily adopted by companies based 
on the identified themes.  
Social implications: The sustainability initiatives and adherence to SDGs covers the three-dimensional progress, i..e, 
economic, social and environmental. The identified themes would be beneficial for all the stakeholders in 
understanding the concept of corporate sustainability and contributions made by companies towards specific SDGs.