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ESG and Investment Efficiency: The Role of Marketing Capability

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  • Weijia Hu

    (School of Accounting, Jilin University of Finance and Economics, Changchun 130117, China)

  • Jining Sun

    (Business School, National University of Singapore, Singapore 118417, Singapore)

  • Yu-En Lin

    (Center for Quantitative Economics, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China)

  • Jingbo Hu

    (Business School, The Tourism College of Changchun University, Changchun 130607, China)

Abstract

This study examines whether and how corporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance is associated with firms’ investment efficiency while considering the role of firms’ marketing capability. Using a sample of U.S. firms from 1991 to 2019, we find robust evidence that firms with better marketing capabilities (MC) are more likely to engage in ESG activities and receive higher ESG scores. In addition, ESG engagement by firms with better marketing capabilities reduces investment inefficiency. Moreover, we find that the effect of MC-fitted ESG is more prominent when economic policy uncertainty is low or agency costs are low. The results are also driven by social or environmental dimensions. Our empirical evidence extends the understanding of firms’ decisions cross-functionally.

Suggested Citation

  • Weijia Hu & Jining Sun & Yu-En Lin & Jingbo Hu, 2023. "ESG and Investment Efficiency: The Role of Marketing Capability," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(24), pages 1-19, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:24:p:16676-:d:1296660
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    2. Linan Wang & Rixin Li & Ruotong Zhao, 2025. "The Impact of Corporate ESG Performance on Regional Energy Efficiency in China from the Perspective of Green Development," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(6), pages 1-22, March.

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