Purpose This study aims to holistically present a systematic literature review (SLR) triangulated with bibliometric analysis on environmental, social and governance (ESG) research to synthesize and comprehensively review its evolving journey and emerging research streams. Design/methodology/approach Using R-studio software, this study carried out a retrospective quantitative bibliometric analysis through performance analysis, science mapping and network analysis, covering 261 documents published on ESG research between 2007 and 2022 in Scopus and Web of Science databases. Findings Performance analysis depicts the trends in publications, impactful journals and influential publications, authors and countries, while science mapping incorporates co-words and thematic analysis. Likewise, co-occurrence analysis provided four different clusters, representing ESG research linkage to other management fields along with key insights from co-citation network analysis. Additionally, the theory–context–characteristics–methods (TCCM) framework has provided valuable results in terms of widely and emerging used theories, contexts, characteristics and methodologies in ESG research. Research limitations/implications The findings of this study’s comprehensive bibliometric analysis combined with SLR uncovered a robust roadmap for further investigation in ESG research by identifying the inherent structure and evolution of research themes. This review has not only identified the prevalent gaps in determining priorities for future research but also provides insights which not previously been captured and evaluated on this topic. Originality/value To the best of the author's knowledge, no study presents the TCCM framework in the context of bibliometric analysis of ESG research. Besides, a conceptual framework is developed that illustrates antecedents, mediators, moderators and outcomes of research on ESG practices and provides the concluded key takeaways and recommendations for potential authors intending to publish their research papers on ESG practices.
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