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CEO compensation and corporate social responsibility

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  • Jian, Ming
  • Lee, Kin-Wai

Abstract

We examine the association between CEO compensation and corporate social responsibility (CSR). We find that CEO compensation is negatively associated with CSR investment. We find CEO compensation is positively associated with normal CSR, suggesting that CEO is rewarded for investing in optimal level of CSR. The positive association between CEO compensation and normal CSR is more pronounced in firms with stronger corporate governance. However, CEO compensation level is negatively associated with abnormal CSR, suggesting that when CSR investment deviates from its optimal level, CEOs receive lower compensation level for excessive CSR investments. Firms with good corporate governance penalize abnormal CSR.

Suggested Citation

  • Jian, Ming & Lee, Kin-Wai, 2015. "CEO compensation and corporate social responsibility," Journal of Multinational Financial Management, Elsevier, vol. 29(C), pages 46-65.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:mulfin:v:29:y:2015:i:c:p:46-65
    DOI: 10.1016/j.mulfin.2014.11.004
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Corporate social responsibility (CSR); CEO compensation; Corporate governance;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G30 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - General
    • G34 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Mergers; Acquisitions; Restructuring; Corporate Governance
    • M1 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration
    • M2 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Economics

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