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Female executives, corporate social responsibility, and green innovation

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  • Hu, Siyang
  • Wu, Shaoling

Abstract

This paper explores the impact of female executives on corporate green innovation and its potential mechanisms, based on data from Chinese A-share listed companies between 2011 and 2022. The results indicate a significant negative effect of female executives on corporate green innovation, with this impact being particularly pronounced in non-high-tech industries and firms with high financial leverage. Furthermore, when corporate social responsibility is strong or when the executive team has an international background, the risk-aversion tendency of female executives significantly diminishes, leading to a higher willingness for green innovation.

Suggested Citation

  • Hu, Siyang & Wu, Shaoling, 2025. "Female executives, corporate social responsibility, and green innovation," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 79(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:finlet:v:79:y:2025:i:c:s1544612325005495
    DOI: 10.1016/j.frl.2025.107286
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    1. Mansour, Marwan & Al Zobi, Mo'taz & E'leimat, Dheif Allah & Abu alim, Sad & Tabash, Mosab I., 2025. "Female leadership, gender boards and environmental innovation: Comprehensive evidence from the global energy sector," Innovation and Green Development, Elsevier, vol. 4(4).

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
    • O31 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives
    • M14 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - Corporate Culture; Diversity; Social Responsibility
    • G34 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Mergers; Acquisitions; Restructuring; Corporate Governance

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