Greenwashing and ESG: A bibliometric analysis of global research trends, intellectual structure, and emerging themes.

Abstract

In recent years, the intersection of greenwashing and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices has attracted substantial academic and policy interest due to the rising emphasis on corporate sustainability and accountability. Despite the expanding body of research, the intellectual structure and global evolution of this domain remain underexplored. This study conducts a comprehensive bibliometric analysis to map the scientific landscape of greenwashing and ESG literature, using data extracted from the Scopus database spanning 2012–2025. Employing tools such as biblioMagika®, OpenRefine and VOSviewer, the study identifies publication trends, influential authors, institutions, journals, and thematic clusters that define the research trajectory. The findings reveal a rapid growth in publications post-2015, driven by increasing regulatory scrutiny and investor demand for transparent sustainability reporting. Key thematic areas include corporate social responsibility, sustainability communication, ESG disclosure quality, and stakeholder legitimacy. The analysis also uncovers gaps in empirical validation and calls for future research integrating ESG performance metrics with behavioral and policy perspectives. This paper contributes to the consolidation of knowledge on greenwashing and ESG, providing a foundation for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners seeking to promote authentic and accountable sustainability practices.