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Can corporate background characteristics predict environmental innovation? Evidence from a meta-analysis

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  • Liao, Zhongju
  • Liu, Xiaodie
  • Sun, Yang

Abstract

Corporate background characteristics are the most frequently analyzed variables in empirical research on environmental innovation. This study adopted the method of meta-analysis approach, selected 104 independent samples (N = 509419) from 53 articles as the research sample, and examined the relationship between corporate background characteristics and environmental innovation. The results indicated that environmental innovation was correlated positively with corporate scale and negatively with corporate age. The nature of the ownership and the industry category had an effect on corporate environmental innovation. In addition, the relationship among corporate scale, age, and environmental innovation was moderated by the national economic development level. This study provides a clear conclusion regarding the impact of corporate background characteristics on environmental innovation and is important for the development of environmental innovation theory and the promotion of environmental innovation.

Suggested Citation

  • Liao, Zhongju & Liu, Xiaodie & Sun, Yang, 2023. "Can corporate background characteristics predict environmental innovation? Evidence from a meta-analysis," European Management Journal, Elsevier, vol. 41(6), pages 1047-1055.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:eurman:v:41:y:2023:i:6:p:1047-1055
    DOI: 10.1016/j.emj.2023.04.005
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