Greenwashing: A systematic literature review

Abstract This systematic review provides a comprehensive overview of greenwashing through an analysis of 180 academic articles published in 58 journals from 1997 to 2023. The review examines the fragmented definitions, measurements, and manifestations of greenwashing. Furthermore, a framework of greenwashing was developed by systematically reviewing the motivations and outcomes of greenwashing and its mediators and moderators at both the firm level and the external level. Finally, the review highlights three directions for future research on greenwashing, offering useful guidance for future academic studies, government policy, and corporate practice.