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How does public green attention promote enterprises' greening strategies?

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  • Chen, Juanjuan
  • Han, Huiyuan

Abstract

This study enhances stakeholder theory by examining how public green attention—measured using digital activism, consumer behavior changes, and media discourse—propels strategic greening rather than mere operational adjustments by profoundly transforming governance, innovation, and value chains. Analyzing data from 2009 to 2023, we reveal three innovative mechanisms encompassing social legitimacy development, accountability enforced through transparency, and governance reorganization, which institutionalizes sustainability as a fundamental strategic goal. In contrast to previous studies emphasizing compliance or efficiency, we demonstrate that societal sentiment drives structural commitments, converting environmental criticism into proactive organizational development. This study addresses a significant gap in comprehending how nonregulatory influences reshape company strategies, providing policymakers with potential paths to enhance sustainability transitions via market-driven responsibility.

Suggested Citation

  • Chen, Juanjuan & Han, Huiyuan, 2025. "How does public green attention promote enterprises' greening strategies?," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 85(PC).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:finlet:v:85:y:2025:i:pc:s1544612325013522
    DOI: 10.1016/j.frl.2025.108095
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    References listed on IDEAS

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