Institutional Factors and Sustainable Development Goals-Based Sustainability Performance in G7 Countries

Although the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aim to promote sustainability in all over the world, some factors based on institutional theory, such as economic, political, and legal systems, may lead to differences in the sustainability performance (SP) of countries. In this regard, this paper measures the SP of G7 countries by considering 17 SDGs. Moreover, this study aims to determine the most influential goal affecting SP. To achieve these goals, the researchers use a hybrid multicriteria decision-making method, namely, SIWEC-ARLON. While the SIWEC method determines criterion weights, the ARLON method measures country ranking. According to the results of the SIWEC method, the following goals, "No poverty," "Good Health and Well-being," "Quality Education," "Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure," and "Sustainable Cities and Communities" are the most effective goals in determining SP, whereas "Responsible Consumption and Production" is the least effective criterion. On the other hand, the results from the ARLON method indicate that while Germany is the top performing country, the USA performs the worst. Factors determining environmental performance may provide arguments to support these rankings.