Sustainable Development Goal Research in Accounting: A Systematic Literature Review and Direction for Future Research

Olayinka Erin; Adeyemi Adebayo; Barry Ackers; Teerooven Soobaroyen

doi:10.1108/JFRA-05-2024-0243

Sustainable Development Goal Research in Accounting: A Systematic Literature Review and Direction for Future Research

Olayinka Erin^*
, Adeyemi Adebayo
, Barry Ackers
, Teerooven Soobaroyen

^*Corresponding author for this work

University of South Africa

Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article › peer-review

2 Citations (SciVal)

16 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Purpose: The recent rise in studies on non-financial disclosures, particularly those related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), underscores the need for further investigation into the existing SDG literature. This study provides a comprehensive review of the current body of research on the Sustainable Development Goals.

Design/methodology/approach: We adopted the methodology outlined by Denyer and Tranfield (2009), which involves three key stages in conducting a review study: (i) planning the review, (ii) performing the review, and (iii) reporting and dissemination. Our analysis covered 70 studies published in 24 high-ranking journals between 2018 and 2024. The review identified seven key themes in SDG research: (i) SDG practices, (ii) determinants of SDGs, (iii) socioeconomic implications of SDGs, (iv) compliance of SDGs with regulations, (v) proposed indices or models for SDGs, (vi) SDG disclosures, and (vii) studies addressing SDGs 1 through 17.

Findings: The findings reveal notable knowledge gaps in the existing SDG literature, highlighting opportunities for future research. Notably, the analysis shows that most studies focus on developed countries and private sector organizations. Additionally, there has been a significant increase in SDG research during the final three years of the sample period (2022–2024).

Practical implications: Organizations should recognize that a commitment to SDG-related initiatives is instrumental in addressing societal challenges. Given that governments alone may not have the capacity to fully implement all 17 SDGs, the active participation of the private sector is essential.

Originality/value: This review presents valuable opportunities for accounting researchers to pursue future studies addressing the literature gaps identified. It offers critical insights that will benefit business executives, sustainability practitioners, governance and sustainability regulators, accounting standard-setters, private and public institutions, academics, and researchers.

Original language	English
Journal	Journal of Financial Reporting and Accounting
Early online date	23 Apr 2025
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1108/JFRA-05-2024-0243
Publication status	E-pub ahead of print - 23 Apr 2025

Bibliographical note

Copyright © 2025, Olayinka Erin, Adeyemi Adebayo, Barry Ackers and Teerooven Soobaroyen. This article is published under the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) licence. Anyone may reproduce, distribute, translate and create derivative works of this article (for both commercial & non-commercial purposes), subject to full attribution to the original publication and authors. The full terms of this licence may be seen at https://creativecommons.org/licences/by/4.0/legalcode

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 1 No Poverty
SDG 2 Zero Hunger
SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being
SDG 4 Quality Education
SDG 5 Gender Equality
SDG 6 Clean Water and Sanitation
SDG 7 Affordable and Clean Energy
SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth
SDG 9 Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities
SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities
SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production
SDG 13 Climate Action
SDG 14 Life Below Water
SDG 15 Life on Land
SDG 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
SDG 17 Partnerships for the Goals

Keywords

hybrid sector entities
Private sector entities
Public sector entities
SDG research
Stakeholder theory
systematic review

Access to Document

10.1108/JFRA-05-2024-0243Licence: CC BY 4.0

O Erin et al_SDG research in accounting_systematic literature review and direction for future research
Copyright © 2025, Olayinka Erin, Adeyemi Adebayo, Barry Ackers and Teerooven Soobaroyen. This article is published under the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) licence. Anyone may reproduce, distribute, translate and create derivative works of this article (for both commercial & non-commercial purposes), subject to full attribution to the original publication and authors. The full terms of this licence may be seen at https://creativecommons.org/licences/by/4.0/legalcode
Final published version, 1 MBLicence: CC BY 4.0

Cite this

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title = "Sustainable Development Goal Research in Accounting: A Systematic Literature Review and Direction for Future Research",

abstract = "Purpose: The recent rise in studies on non-financial disclosures, particularly those related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), underscores the need for further investigation into the existing SDG literature. This study provides a comprehensive review of the current body of research on the Sustainable Development Goals. Design/methodology/approach: We adopted the methodology outlined by Denyer and Tranfield (2009), which involves three key stages in conducting a review study: (i) planning the review, (ii) performing the review, and (iii) reporting and dissemination. Our analysis covered 70 studies published in 24 high-ranking journals between 2018 and 2024. The review identified seven key themes in SDG research: (i) SDG practices, (ii) determinants of SDGs, (iii) socioeconomic implications of SDGs, (iv) compliance of SDGs with regulations, (v) proposed indices or models for SDGs, (vi) SDG disclosures, and (vii) studies addressing SDGs 1 through 17. Findings: The findings reveal notable knowledge gaps in the existing SDG literature, highlighting opportunities for future research. Notably, the analysis shows that most studies focus on developed countries and private sector organizations. Additionally, there has been a significant increase in SDG research during the final three years of the sample period (2022–2024). Practical implications: Organizations should recognize that a commitment to SDG-related initiatives is instrumental in addressing societal challenges. Given that governments alone may not have the capacity to fully implement all 17 SDGs, the active participation of the private sector is essential. Originality/value: This review presents valuable opportunities for accounting researchers to pursue future studies addressing the literature gaps identified. It offers critical insights that will benefit business executives, sustainability practitioners, governance and sustainability regulators, accounting standard-setters, private and public institutions, academics, and researchers.",

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AU - Adebayo, Adeyemi

AU - Ackers, Barry

AU - Soobaroyen, Teerooven

N1 - Copyright © 2025, Olayinka Erin, Adeyemi Adebayo, Barry Ackers and Teerooven Soobaroyen. This article is published under the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) licence. Anyone may reproduce, distribute, translate and create derivative works of this article (for both commercial & non-commercial purposes), subject to full attribution to the original publication and authors. The full terms of this licence may be seen at https://creativecommons.org/licences/by/4.0/legalcode

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N2 - Purpose: The recent rise in studies on non-financial disclosures, particularly those related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), underscores the need for further investigation into the existing SDG literature. This study provides a comprehensive review of the current body of research on the Sustainable Development Goals. Design/methodology/approach: We adopted the methodology outlined by Denyer and Tranfield (2009), which involves three key stages in conducting a review study: (i) planning the review, (ii) performing the review, and (iii) reporting and dissemination. Our analysis covered 70 studies published in 24 high-ranking journals between 2018 and 2024. The review identified seven key themes in SDG research: (i) SDG practices, (ii) determinants of SDGs, (iii) socioeconomic implications of SDGs, (iv) compliance of SDGs with regulations, (v) proposed indices or models for SDGs, (vi) SDG disclosures, and (vii) studies addressing SDGs 1 through 17. Findings: The findings reveal notable knowledge gaps in the existing SDG literature, highlighting opportunities for future research. Notably, the analysis shows that most studies focus on developed countries and private sector organizations. Additionally, there has been a significant increase in SDG research during the final three years of the sample period (2022–2024). Practical implications: Organizations should recognize that a commitment to SDG-related initiatives is instrumental in addressing societal challenges. Given that governments alone may not have the capacity to fully implement all 17 SDGs, the active participation of the private sector is essential. Originality/value: This review presents valuable opportunities for accounting researchers to pursue future studies addressing the literature gaps identified. It offers critical insights that will benefit business executives, sustainability practitioners, governance and sustainability regulators, accounting standard-setters, private and public institutions, academics, and researchers.

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KW - Private sector entities

KW - Public sector entities

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KW - Stakeholder theory

KW - systematic review

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DO - 10.1108/JFRA-05-2024-0243

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JO - Journal of Financial Reporting and Accounting

JF - Journal of Financial Reporting and Accounting

ER -

Sustainable Development Goal Research in Accounting: A Systematic Literature Review and Direction for Future Research

Abstract

Bibliographical note

UN SDGs

Keywords

Access to Document

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