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Monitoring or Collusion? Multiple Large Shareholders and Corporate ESG Performance: Evidence from China

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  • Wang, Liang
  • Qi, Jiahan
  • Zhuang, Hongyu

Abstract

We examine the collusion effects of multiple large shareholders (MLS) on corporate ESG performance. Using a sample of Chinese listed firms for 2010–2020, we find that firms with MLS tend to have lower ESG performance than firms with a single large shareholder. This finding is robust to a series of robustness checks. Our conclusion is consistent with the common-benefit and cost-sharing hypothesis, where MLS shoulder the costs of poor ESG performance with the controlling shareholder and protect their common benefit through free-riding behavior.

Suggested Citation

  • Wang, Liang & Qi, Jiahan & Zhuang, Hongyu, 2023. "Monitoring or Collusion? Multiple Large Shareholders and Corporate ESG Performance: Evidence from China," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 53(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:finlet:v:53:y:2023:i:c:s1544612323000478
    DOI: 10.1016/j.frl.2023.103673
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    JEL classification:

    • G12 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Asset Pricing; Trading Volume; Bond Interest Rates
    • G14 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Information and Market Efficiency; Event Studies; Insider Trading
    • G34 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Mergers; Acquisitions; Restructuring; Corporate Governance

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