Responsibility, sustainability, or environmental justice? Strategic communication and evolving expectations for stewardship and citizenship

Abstract

This conceptual paper analyzes the definitions and the explicit and implicit relationships among Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG), Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), and environmental justice. We explore their roles in public relations theory and practice. Furthermore, we suggest a path for articulating justice and equity more explicitly for future ESG communication. This synthesis leads to defining six equity strategies for ESG communication: Clarity, conflict, reflectiveness, community empowerment, and collaborative, justice-oriented outcomes.