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Determinants and consequences of voluntary corporate social responsibility disclosure: Evidence from private firms

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  • Chi, Wuchun
  • Wu, Shing-Jen
  • Zheng, Zhen

Abstract

We examine whether and how private firms differ from public firms in determining corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure policies. We document that private firms are less likely to issue CSR reports compared with their public peers. Adopting a bivariate probit model that accommodates partial observability, we find that the effect is mainly driven by a supply-side force rather than a demand-side force. From a debtholder-oriented perspective, while public firms enjoy more favorable credit ratings and a lower cost of debt due to CSR disclosure, private firms do not reap similar benefits from CSR disclosure. Corporate governance and CSR assurance alleviate debtholders' concern on private firms’ engagements in CSR.

Suggested Citation

  • Chi, Wuchun & Wu, Shing-Jen & Zheng, Zhen, 2020. "Determinants and consequences of voluntary corporate social responsibility disclosure: Evidence from private firms," The British Accounting Review, Elsevier, vol. 52(6).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:bracre:v:52:y:2020:i:6:s0890838920300597
    DOI: 10.1016/j.bar.2020.100939
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    5. Nicola Raimo & Alessandra Caragnano & Marianna Zito & Filippo Vitolla & Massimo Mariani, 2021. "Extending the benefits of ESG disclosure: The effect on the cost of debt financing," Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 28(4), pages 1412-1421, July.
    6. Thamir Al Barrak & Kaouther Chebbi & Abdullah A. Aljughaiman & Mohammed Albarrak, 2023. "Exploring the Interplay between Sustainability and Debt Costs in an Emerging Market: Does Financial Distress Matter?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(12), pages 1-19, June.
    7. Li‐Chun Kuo & Chia‐Lin Lee & Yun‐Ting Lee, 2022. "The impact of voluntary assurance of CSR reports on firms' operating performance: Evidence from Taiwan," Managerial and Decision Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 43(8), pages 4041-4054, December.
    8. Iram Hasan & Shveta Singh & Smita Kashiramka, 2022. "Does corporate social responsibility disclosure impact firm performance? An industry-wise analysis of Indian firms," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 24(8), pages 10141-10181, August.
    9. Uyar, Ali & Lodh, Suman & Nandy, Monomita & Kuzey, Cemil & Karaman, Abdullah S., 2023. "Tradeoff between corporate investment and CSR: The moderating effect of financial slack, workforce slack, and board gender diversity," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 87(C).

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