ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL, AND GOVERNANCE (ESG) RELATED PROCESSES AND INTERNAL CONTROL

Abstract

Purpose- With the increase and change in the information requirements of information users, ESG reporting has become a very important component of corporate reporting. The increasing interest in ESG fields requires effective process management and the preparation of high-quality reports in these areas. In this context, providing assurance in ESG reporting and establishing effective internal controls in ESG-related processes have become important issues. There are a limited number of studies in the literature on the relationship between ESG fields and internal control. Following the contributions of these important studies to the literature, the Committee of Sponsoring Organisations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) issued a guidance in March 2023 entitled "Achieving Effective Internal Control over Sustainability Reporting (ICSR): Building Trust and Confidence with the COSO Internal Control Integrated Framework" in March 2023. As is known, the COSO Internal Control Integrated Framework (ICIF-2013) is the globally recognized internal control framework. The guideline, which is prepared on the basis of this framework, contains guiding information for the establishment of an effective internal control structure in ESG fields on the way to the formation of sustainable businesses. The aim of this study is to emphasise the importance of internal control in ESG-related processes and to contribute to the development of the literature by explaining the perspective created by the ICSR guidance and examining the existing literature. Methodology- The study employs a literature review to analyse the ICSR guidance on establishing an effective internal control structure over ESG-related processes and academic studies on this subject and to emphasise the importance of the subject. Conceptual discussions and developments are important in increasing the effectiveness of internal control over ESG-related processes. Therefore, this study analyses the conceptual framework of effective internal control over ESG-related processes. Findings- ICSR guidance published by COSO explains the establishment of internal control structure in ESG-related processes with an integrated perspective. Guidance also includes illustrative cases that can guide practitioners, while also addressing the roles in governance processes. There are a limited number of studies on this subject in the academic literature. Conclusion- With the findings obtained from the study, the importance of an effective internal control structure in ESG-related processes is emphasized. It is thought that the new ICSR guideline will create significant values in the formation and adoption of an integrated understanding on this issue. As it is known, an effective internal control structure is expected to provide reasonable assurance in the realization of the objectives of businesses and organizations in relation to all processes related to operations, compliance, and reporting. In order to achieve the desired objectives in the processes related to ESG fields, it is necessary to identify and eliminate the possible weaknesses of the internal control structure in ensuring the realization of these objectives and to transform it into a more effective structure. It is thought that the studies to be carried out for this purpose will create value by increasing awareness in terms of creating the expected benefit from ESG-related processes and creating more effective ESG reports. Keywords: Internal contol, COSO, environmental social ang governance, sustainability, sustainable business JEL Codes: M10, M40, M48