Analyzing the Link between ESG Initiatives and Shareholder Value Creation through the Value Chain Lens: a Qualitative Approach

From the firm’s perspective, the first chapter (Analyzing the Link between ESG Initiatives and Shareholder Value Creation through the Value Chain Lens: a Qualitative Approach) investigates how ESG initiatives can enhance value creation. It uses a framework inspired by strategic cost management to trace the activities of the value chain, their drivers, and their contribution to sustaining the organization’s strategy and, in turn, their value creation potential. Within the strategy and activities, the chapter focuses on the integration of ESG initiatives with the general strategy of the organization. The research method combines case studies and conceptual argumentation. Findings suggest that integrating ESG initiatives into the competitive strategy affects the ESG activities that the company carries out, as well as their drivers and financial results.