Performance management for sustainability: a bibliometric analysis

Purpose – The paper aims to develop a comprehensive knowledge map of performance management (PM) practices concerning sustainable performance (economic, social and environmental) through a systematisation of the literature. The study is intended to analyse the literature trends and highlight future research directions. Design/methodology/approach – The study adopts a bibliometric analysis based on the similarity visualisation technique by analysing 680 articles published between 1993 and 2022 using the VOSviewer software. Findings – The results show the existence of various research clusters and the evolution of scientific focus over time, offering an overview of studies at the intersection between PM and sustainability. Through mapping currently accessible studies the study illuminates the research trajectory regarding performance management systems (PMS) conceived to integrate sustainability. Practical implications – The findings presented in the current study can be particularly useful to managers and controllers in improving the design and implementation of PMS because the intersection of PM and sustainability themes inherently requires education that addresses sustainability performance dimensions. Social implications – The study highlights how sustainability-oriented PM systems can improve internal and external accountability for environmental and social impacts, thereby supporting more informed decision-making processes. Originality/value – This paper advances knowledge on PM research, emphasising the need to adopt a multidisciplinary and holistic approach to embedding sustainability goals into information systems, to increase the effectiveness of decision-making and the reliability of corporate disclosure.