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The geography of CSR

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  • Ding, David K.
  • Ferreira, Christo
  • Wongchoti, Udomsak

Abstract

We regress socio-economic indicators against firm level CSR scores using a sample of over 26,000 firm year observations from 1991 through 2009. We find that a firm's CSR profile is linked to the socio-economic conditions of the firm's geographic headquarters (HQ) location. The study documents that the legal, cultural, economic, and demographic differences across geography significantly explain the variation in CSR means between metropolitan statistical areas, states, and regions. We also find that the relation between CSR and firm performance is conditional on socio-economic factors, which highlight the endogeneity concerns inherent in CSR studies. Lastly, we show that firms that cluster along a CSR continuum experience an increase in firm value.

Suggested Citation

  • Ding, David K. & Ferreira, Christo & Wongchoti, Udomsak, 2019. "The geography of CSR," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 59(C), pages 265-288.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:reveco:v:59:y:2019:i:c:p:265-288
    DOI: 10.1016/j.iref.2018.09.003
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    CSR; Geography; Corporate governance; Firm location; Tobin's Q;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G10 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - General (includes Measurement and Data)
    • G32 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Financing Policy; Financial Risk and Risk Management; Capital and Ownership Structure; Value of Firms; Goodwill

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