ESG Cases of Public Institutions Focusing on the Social Domain

Purpose: The social responsibilities of public institutions manifest in various dimensions. The components of the social aspect of ESG activities within public institutions are defined in a highly diverse manner, and the activities themselves vary significantly across organizations. This study aims to propose directions for achieving sustainable development within public institutions and to identify specific actionable measures required to fulfill their social responsibilities. Research design, data and methodology: This study was conducted through a literature review and case studies. The existing literature on ESG in public institutions was reviewed, and cases from five public institutions were collected and analyzed through lectures and interviews with stakeholders. Results: This study reveals that while public institutions share common objectives and characteristics of social responsibility, they differ in their specific approaches and activities. The analysis confirms that while all organizations actively fulfill their social responsibilities, they adopt unique methods that align with their specialized fields and characteristics. Conclusions: Public institutions must prioritize activities in the social dimension to foster relationships with local communities and fulfill their social responsibilities, which is essential for achieving sustainable operations and generating social value. This study highlights that investments and efforts in the social dimension of public institutions are crucial for building social trust.