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Corporate social network, ownership structure, and corporate financing constraints: Evidence from China

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  • Zhao, Tianjiao
  • Xiao, Ming
  • Zhang, Bingshi

Abstract

Based on the stakeholder theory, we constructed a corporate social network for all publicly listed Chinese A-share enterprises on the Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges for 2010–2017. The empirical results show that there is a negative relationship between the focal positions of the corporate social network and financing constraints. Specifically, if an enterprise is located in a more central position or occupies more structural hole positions in the network, it has fewer financing constraints. Ownership structure plays a moderating role in this relationship. The results remain robust to various robustness checks and support the information access hypothesis of social networks.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhao, Tianjiao & Xiao, Ming & Zhang, Bingshi, 2023. "Corporate social network, ownership structure, and corporate financing constraints: Evidence from China," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 88(C), pages 1547-1564.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:reveco:v:88:y:2023:i:c:p:1547-1564
    DOI: 10.1016/j.iref.2023.07.075
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • G32 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Financing Policy; Financial Risk and Risk Management; Capital and Ownership Structure; Value of Firms; Goodwill
    • M14 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - Corporate Culture; Diversity; Social Responsibility

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