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How higher education affects corporate ESG performance: Empirical evidence from Chinese listed companies

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  • Tu, Kaidi
  • Guo, Yuanyuan

Abstract

This paper empirically examines the impact of higher education on corporate ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) performance among non-financial and non-real estate listed companies in China's capital market. The findings suggest that a higher level of education among corporate executives is conducive to improving corporate ESG performance levels. Mechanism tests indicate that the impact of higher education on corporate ESG performance is indirectly realized through the enhancement of internal control quality within companies. Heterogeneity analysis shows that the positive effect of higher education on improving corporate ESG performance is more pronounced in non-state-owned enterprises.

Suggested Citation

  • Tu, Kaidi & Guo, Yuanyuan, 2024. "How higher education affects corporate ESG performance: Empirical evidence from Chinese listed companies," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 68(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:finlet:v:68:y:2024:i:c:s1544612324008420
    DOI: 10.1016/j.frl.2024.105812
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Xiaojuan Hou & Ming Jin, 2025. "Characteristics of executives’ education and corporate sustainability: evidence from disclosure of environmental, social, and governance," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 27(11), pages 28241-28279, November.
    2. Zhang, Xiaoyu & Huang, Qinghua & Shi, Peihao, 2025. "The comprehensive welfare effects of energy transition: Evidence from corporate ESG performance," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 339(C).

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