The Green Value Paradigm: A Review on Advancing Corporate Environmental Sustainability in the 21st Century

Abstract

Corporations worldwide face increasing pressure to align economic growth with environmental stewardship, yet sustainability practices remain fragmented across industries. Despite the growing prominence of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks, and sustainability-driven innovation, firms often struggle to integrate these approaches into a cohesive model that links environmental responsibility with value creation. Addressing this gap, this study explores the research landscape of corporate environmental sustainability through the lens of the Green Value Paradigm (GVP), proposing it as an integrative framework for aligning environmental values with corporate strategy. This study adopts a structured systematic literature review (SLR) guided by PRISMA principles to ensure transparency and methodological rigor. Drawing on Scopus-AI analytics (as of 25 September 2025) and supported by manual screening and critical synthesis, 184 peer-reviewed publications were analyzed using a comprehensive search string encompassing green values, corporate sustainability, and environmental performance. The analysis utilized concept mapping, thematic clustering, and expert identification to examine patterns across consistent, rising, and emerging themes. The findings indicate that CSR and ESG remain foundational pillars of sustainability research, while rising themes—such as the relationship between environmental and financial performance, Green Human Resource Management (GHRM), and sustainability-driven innovation—reflect evolving corporate priorities. Additionally, sustainability disclosure and reporting emerge as critical mechanisms for enhancing transparency, accountability, and corporate legitimacy. Importantly, the study demonstrates that the GVP extends beyond existing frameworks by positioning environmental values as the central driver of strategy, innovation, and value creation. This study contributes to the literature by offering a holistic and integrative perspective on corporate environmental sustainability. It provides practical insights for managers, policymakers, and investors seeking to embed sustainability into strategic decision-making, while also establishing a foundation for future empirical and theoretical advancement in sustainability research.