ESG Management of Korean Small and Medium Logistics Companies: Current Status and the Future Direction

[Purpose]This study aims to develop ESG evaluation indicators for small and medium－sized logistics companies and to empirically analyze current status of their ESG management. This paper will discuss the ways to improve ESG management of small and medium－sized logistics companies in Korea. [Methodology]A survey method was adopted, and 98 valid responses were collected from Korean small and medium－sized logistics companies. [Findings]It was found that mos of the Korean small and medium－sized logistics companies did not have an overall understanding of ESG, and the overall level of each ESG field was generally low. This paper suggested the ways on how to solve these problems. They include providing in－depth education opportunities for small and medium－sized logistics companies regarding ESG and its importance, establishing a legal basis for ESG practices and consistent standards for ESG evaluation, selecting and focusing on the ESG management areas that the company can afford, and establishing ESG management strategies systematically. [Implications]It is new attempt to develop ESG evaluation indicators that can be applied to small and medium－sized logistics companies. The solutions to ESG management problems suggested in this study will be of great help in suggesting meaningful improvement measures and practical directions to Korean logistics companies in the future.