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A new approach for addressing endogeneity issues in the relationship between corporate social responsibility and corporate financial performance

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  • Liu, Wei
  • Shao, Xuefeng
  • De Sisto, Marco
  • Li, Wen Helena

Abstract

This paper aims to reexamine the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and corporate financial performance (CFP) using a panel dataset of Chinese listed firms. Previous studies obtained divergent empirical evidence on the CSR-CFP relationship due to unclear, incomplete, or inappropriate consideration of endogeneity issues. By introducing a Heckman-2SLS model, we comprehensively address the main endogeneity problems (i.e., sample selection bias, reverse causality, and unobserved heterogeneity) simultaneously within the CSR-CFP relationship. Results not only indicate a robust CSR-CFP relationship after correcting for endogeneity issues but also serve as a strong case for future investigation and correction of endogeneity issues.

Suggested Citation

  • Liu, Wei & Shao, Xuefeng & De Sisto, Marco & Li, Wen Helena, 2021. "A new approach for addressing endogeneity issues in the relationship between corporate social responsibility and corporate financial performance," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 39(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:finlet:v:39:y:2021:i:c:s154461231931205x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.frl.2020.101623
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    5. Bruna, Maria Giuseppina & Lahouel, Béchir Ben, 2022. "CSR & financial performance: Facing methodological and modeling issues commentary paper to the eponymous FRL article collection," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 44(C).
    6. Guo, Mengmeng & Wang, Huixin & Kuai, Yicheng, 2023. "Environmental regulation and green innovation: Evidence from heavily polluting firms in China," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 53(C).
    7. Feng, Bing & Sun, Kaiyang & Zhong, Ziqi & Chen, Min, 2021. "The internal connection analysis of information sharing and investment performance in the venture capital network community," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 112731, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    8. Zhengrui Li & Xueting Du & Weihua Zhong, 2023. "Regional Marketization and Corporate Wastewater Treatment Activities: From the Perspective of Government Intervention," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(18), pages 1-12, September.
    9. Kim, Sooin & Yoo, Jungmin, 2022. "Corporate Opacity, Corporate Social Responsibility, and Financial Performance," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 49(C).
    10. Syed Quaid Ali Shah & Fong-Woon Lai & Muhammad Kashif Shad & Ahmad Ali Jan, 2022. "Developing a Green Governance Framework for the Performance Enhancement of the Oil and Gas Industry," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(7), pages 1-19, March.
    11. Su, Tong & Shi, Yuning & Lin, Boqiang, 2023. "Label or lever? The role of reputable underwriters in Chinese green bond financing," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 53(C).
    12. Kim, Sahrok & Praveen Parboteeah, K. & Cullen, John B. & Jeong, Nara, 2022. "Social institutions approach to women’s firm ownership and firm bribery activity: A study of small-sized firms in emerging markets," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 144(C), pages 1333-1349.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Corporate social responsibility; Corporate financial performance; Endogeneity; Heckman-2SLS model;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C18 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Methodolical Issues: General
    • C36 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Instrumental Variables (IV) Estimation
    • L25 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Firm Performance
    • M14 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - Corporate Culture; Diversity; Social Responsibility

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