Digital ESG Leadership: The Impact of Technology-Based Leadership on ESG Implementation in Indonesian Technology Companies
TL;DR
DEL is developed as a construct that links digital leadership to the three dimensions of ESG implementation in the context of Indonesian technology companies, and is positively associated with the quality of ESG disclosure and strategic integration.
Abstract
Purpose: This study analyzes the relationship between Digital ESG Leadership (DEL) and disclosure quality, strategic integration, and ESG performance at Indonesian technology companies. Research Method: The study employed a non-experimental, longitudinal, document-based quantitative design. The data included eight technology companies with 39 firm-years of observations from 2019 to 2024. DEL was measured using dictionary-based scoring and contextual coding, while the relationships among variables were analyzed using panel data regression. Results and Discussion: DEL is positively associated with the quality of ESG disclosure (β = 1.040; p < 0.001), strategic ESG integration (β = 0.997; p < 0.001), and ESG performance (β = 0.896; p < 0.001). These results indicate a statistical relationship, not causality, and should be interpreted with consideration of sample size and potential construct overlap. Implications: Companies need to align their digital strategies with verifiable ESG targets, governance, and outcomes. Originality: This study develops DEL as a construct that links digital leadership to the three dimensions of ESG implementation in the context of Indonesian technology companies.