코스닥기업과 ESG 경영의 관계 및 향후 과제 —ESG 중 ‘S’를 중심으로—

Abstract

Conventionally, companies have adjusted the interests of stakeholders, including shareholders, through the principle of maximizing shareholder profits, and realized profitability, which is an essential factor. However, as the influence of companies and the effects of their actions grow, there are growing calls for sustainable management(ESG management) that can create positive environmental and social effects in addition to shareholder interests. Recently, as the relationship between company and ESG management has become increasingly clear in economic terms, how to establish the relationship between company and ESG management has emerged as an important issue. It cannot be seen that ESC management is denied in relation to profit-making purposes, which are the essential elements of companies. However, in the current legal system, ESG management, which conflicts with shareholders' interests, is bound to be limited to a certain extent due to problems with directors' obligations and responsibilities. The limit may vary depending on whether the interests of shareholders are judged from ① a short-term perspective or ② a mid- to long-term perspective. However, considering that the circumstances are different for each company, it is difficult to enforce either. In light of the above, even if ESG management is allowed in relation to a company's for-profit purposes and directors need to engage in ESG management for the company, there seems to be a limit to expecting ESG management promotion regardless of external factors (regulations due to climate change). In this paper, with the resolution of directors' obligations and responsibilities in mind, a study was conducted to approach ESG management that can be evaluated as a company's sustainable economic activity (sustainable economic activity related to “S”).