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Board Composition and Corporate Social Responsibility Performance: Evidence from Chinese Public Firms

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  • Yiming Zhuang

    (Ivy College of Business, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA)

  • Xinyue Chang

    (Department of Statistics, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA)

  • Younggeun Lee

    (Ivy College of Business, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA)

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between board composition and corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance. Specifically, we examine the impact of board composition (aspects like political experience, academic experience, overseas background, and gender diversity) on CSR performance. We test our hypotheses using data collected from 839 Chinese public firms during the period from 2008 to 2016. Applying generalized least squares regression, the study shows that the political experience, academic experience, and overseas background of the board members are positively related to the firm’s CSR performance. Moreover, we discuss the distinctive relationship between gender diversity and CSR performance in the context of Chinese culture. We extend the CSR literature by examining unique aspects of board composition in the Chinese context and offer fruitful implications for both scholars and practitioners.

Suggested Citation

  • Yiming Zhuang & Xinyue Chang & Younggeun Lee, 2018. "Board Composition and Corporate Social Responsibility Performance: Evidence from Chinese Public Firms," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(8), pages 1-12, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:10:y:2018:i:8:p:2752-:d:161898
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    7. Mingyuan Chen & Dakshina De Silva & Aurelie Slechten, 2021. "Director appointments, boardroom networks, and firm environmental performance," Working Papers 332157256, Lancaster University Management School, Economics Department.
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    10. Ajab Khan & H. Kent Baker, 2022. "How board diversity and ownership structure shape sustainable corporate performance," Managerial and Decision Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 43(8), pages 3751-3770, December.
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