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Foreign direct investments: The role of corporate social responsibility

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  • Liu, Mei
  • Marshall, Andrew
  • McColgan, Patrick

Abstract

This paper investigates whether superior corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance leads to greater firm-level foreign direct investment (FDI). We argue that the decisions managers take on their CSR can have a positive influence in the external perception of the firm and act as an important intangible asset. Using a sample of 4764 firms from 44 countries spanning 2003–2014, we find evidence of a positive relation between CSR performance and the propensity to engage in FDI. The positive relation between CSR performance and FDI propensity is strongest for firms without prior international experience in FDI. Our results suggest that that a strong CSR reputation can act as important intangible asset and help firms’ internationalization by increasing external legitimacy and reputation. The results are robust to controls for endogeneity, alternative measures of international experience, and alternative model specifications.

Suggested Citation

  • Liu, Mei & Marshall, Andrew & McColgan, Patrick, 2021. "Foreign direct investments: The role of corporate social responsibility," Journal of Multinational Financial Management, Elsevier, vol. 59(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:mulfin:v:59:y:2021:i:c:s1042444x20300529
    DOI: 10.1016/j.mulfin.2020.100663
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Corporate social responsibility; Foreign direct investment;

    JEL classification:

    • F23 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - Multinational Firms; International Business
    • G34 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Mergers; Acquisitions; Restructuring; Corporate Governance
    • M14 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - Corporate Culture; Diversity; Social Responsibility

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