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ESG rating disagreement, executive environmental background, and corporate green innovation: Evidence from China

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  • Yang, Shuning
  • Li, Yuanhui
  • Ge, Wenxia

Abstract

Using a sample of Chinese A-share listed companies, this study examines the impact of ESG rating disagreement on corporate green innovation and investigates how executives’ environmental backgrounds moderate this relationship. We find a positive association between ESG rating disagreement and the level of corporate green innovation. Moreover, executives with environmental backgrounds amplify the effect of ESG rating disagreement in stimulating green innovation. This effect is more pronounced when the disagreement concerns the environmental and social performance ratings. Core executives with environmental backgrounds—such as CEOs and chairpersons—play a more significant role than non-core executives in driving green innovation in response to ESG rating disagreement. Additionally, our findings indicate that ESG rating disagreement significantly promotes the quality of green innovation.

Suggested Citation

  • Yang, Shuning & Li, Yuanhui & Ge, Wenxia, 2026. "ESG rating disagreement, executive environmental background, and corporate green innovation: Evidence from China," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 90(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:finlet:v:90:y:2026:i:c:s1544612325026741
    DOI: 10.1016/j.frl.2025.109425
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