CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AS A STRATEGIC INSTRUMENT FOR SUSTAINABILITY IN BUSINESS: BETWEEN COMPLIANCE AND COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE

Abstract

Corporate governance is becoming a key element in organizational strategies in the current economic context, characterized by the transition to sustainable business models and increasing pressure from investors and consumers for responsible practices. This paper explores the relationship between governance structures and the sustainable performance of companies, analyzing the role of boards of directors, sustainability committees, and transparency policies in promoting social and environmental responsibility. International good practices and ESG reporting models are discussed, as well as the challenges of their implementation in Romanian companies. The study highlights that effective governance is not just a condition of compliance, but a vector of competitive advantage in the future economy.