The potential bias for sustainability reporting of global upstream oil and gas companies: a systematic literature review of the evidence

Sustainability reporting is very important for upstream oil and gas companies. The characteristics of industrial operations require direct involvement in environmental management, which causes better policies. Therefore, it is important to explain that these companies are motivated by ecological awareness or a specific purpose. This research conducts critical discourse analysis with a systematic literature review (SLR) approach of the last eleven years related to the sustainability reporting of the oil and gas industry. Various factors influence companies when implementing sustainability reporting, such as increasing credibility, maintaining reputation, transparency, and avoiding legal sanctions. The results showed several global upstream oil and gas companies still have the potential bias for sustainability reporting because they have not implemented the triple bottom line concept. This potential bias is related to irregularities and fraud in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) practice. However, the organization as a ruling group can still carry out its mission of hegemony in the environment and the surrounding community. This research contributes academically and practically because it discusses various studies that used several methods, including surveys, case studies, experiments, and literature to form its conclusions. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11301-022-00292-7.