Articles

Comparative Corporate Responses to Climate Risk: ESG Integration in New Zealand Businesses

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This study investigates the integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into corporate strategy amo ng New Zealand businesses, focusing on their responses to climate-related risks. Despite the global proliferation of ESG research, evidence from small, open economies like New Zealand remains limited, particularly in the context of recent regulatory mandates such as the 2023 mandatory climate-related financial disclosures introduced by the Financial Markets Authority (FMA). Using a mixed-methods approach, the study combines quantitative analysis of ESG scores, disclosure indicators, and financial performance metrics for NZX-listed firms between 2018 and 2025 with qualitative multiple case studies across the energy, agriculture, and finance sectors. Results reveal a positive relationship between ESG integration and financial outcomes, including return on assets, market valuation, and operational resilience. Sectoral analyses indicate that technology and finance firms exhibit the highest ESG maturity, while agriculture and energy sectors demonstrate moderate adoption, often constrained by resource limitations and compliance-driven approaches. Qualitative findings highlight the critical role of governance mechanisms, stakeholder engagement, and strategic alignment in converting ESG adoption into meaningful organizational benefits. The study identifies regulatory frameworks, dynamic capabilities, and internal governance as key enablers of effective ESG integration, while emphasizing that early adoption provides a competitive advantage in managing climate risks. Limitations include reliance on secondary ESG data and a focus on publicly listed firms, suggesting the need for future research encompassing SMEs and longitudinal analyses. Overall, the study contributes to the understanding of ESG integration in small, open economies and offers practical insights for policymakers and corporate managers seeking to enhance resilience and sustainable value creation in the face of climate change.

Client-Auditor Relationship: Challenges and Ethical Dilemmas in Vietnam

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This study examines the challenges and ethical dilemmas that auditors face in maintaining independence in Vietnam, addressing a gap in previous research, which has primarily focused on quantitative studies. The study aims to explore how client pressure, conflicts of interest, and cultural norms influence the integrity of audits and to identify the strategies auditors use to navigate these challenges. Using a qualitative research approach, based on 36 semi-structured interviews and two focus group discussions, the findings reveal significant challenges and ethical dilemmas in the client-auditor relationship in Vietnam, including client pressure to modify audit opinions, conflicts of interest, and ethical concerns related to gifts and hospitality. These issues threaten auditor independence, particularly for smaller audit firms. The results highlight the need for stricter regulatory oversight, enhanced ethical education, and firm-level policies to safeguard audit quality and professional integrity in Vietnam’s evolving financial landscape.

Recycling Pesticide Plastic Containers in Indonesia: An Evaluation of Technical, Economic, and Regulatory Impact Feasibility

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This study explores the feasibility of recycling pesticide plastic packaging in Indonesia, focusing on technical, economic, and regulatory aspects. Technical feasibility analysis highlights challenges in material composition and pesticide residue removal, emphasizing the effectiveness of a cleaning process to ensure safety and quality of recycled materials. Economically, the study demonstrates significant cost savings when incorporating at least 40% recycled material into new packaging, enhancing market competitiveness. The regulatory analysis emphasizes the recommendation to the Indonesian government to reclassify waste pesticide containers from hazardous to non-hazardous materials following the validation of the triple rinsing trial’s effectiveness in removing pesticide residue. Reclassifying the containers as non-hazardous will reduce transportation costs from the source locations, such as plantations or farming areas, to the waste processing plant, thereby improving the economic feasibility of the pesticide plastic container recycling. Recommendations include conducting production trials with larger container sizes and adjusting the recycled material percentage, as well as exploring performance-enhancing additives for recycled plastics. Industries are advised to align with regulations by adopting best recycling practices and establishing robust compliance processes. Strengthening Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes and supporting advanced recycling infrastructure development are critical steps. These measures will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of recycling programs, ensuring regulatory compliance and promoting sustainable waste management. The study concludes that recycling pesticide plastic packaging is feasible and beneficial, provided that technical and economic challenges are effectively addressed with at least 40% recycled material content. The economic viability of recycling pesticide plastic containers will be further enhanced if the Indonesian government reclassifies the waste containers as non-hazardous, after triple rinsing process, thereby reducing transportation costs.