Some executives are motivated by how spending on environmental, social, and governance efforts can boost their reputations.Getty Images More than 90% of executives said ESG spending delivered returns within a few years in a new survey. But companies remain more motivated by how ESG can improve their reputations than their profits. The skepticism and possible recession could undercut ESG spending in 2023. This article is part of Insider's weekly newsletter on sustainability, written by Catherine Boudreau, senior sustainability reporter.A possible recession and high inflation don't bode well for corporate investment in environmental, social, and governance initiatives in the new year — especially because many executives aren't convinced such efforts are linked to higher profits.Companies are slightly more motivated by how sustainability can improve their reputations than their bottom lines, found a July-to-September online survey of more than 2,500 leaders involved in ESG efforts at large companies across the US, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, India, and China.