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Do good and talk about it: The impact of investor relations quality on ESG ratings

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  • Bock, Lennart
  • Thun, Toni W.
  • Zülch, Henning

Abstract

This study provides robust evidence that higher investor relations (IR) quality goes in tandem with enhanced ESG ratings. Building on the extensive data from an established investor relations award in Germany, covering the largest listed firms between 2014 and 2022, we use both panel-data and two-stage least-squares regressions to analyze the effect of IR quality on ESG ratings. Our results hold true for various robustness checks. Moreover, not only do our results introduce a suitable measure for IR quality, but they also demonstrate the relevance of IR quality as an additional determinant of ESG performance measured by rating agencies. Finally, our results provide practical guidelines to firms struggling with their ESG ratings by providing reasoning that investing in higher IR quality eventually meets with success.

Suggested Citation

  • Bock, Lennart & Thun, Toni W. & Zülch, Henning, 2025. "Do good and talk about it: The impact of investor relations quality on ESG ratings," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 75(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:finlet:v:75:y:2025:i:c:s1544612325001047
    DOI: 10.1016/j.frl.2025.106839
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    ESG performance; ESG score; Investor relations; Financial communication; Rating;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G30 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - General
    • G24 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Investment Banking; Venture Capital; Brokerage
    • M14 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - Corporate Culture; Diversity; Social Responsibility

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