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Managerial Ability and ESG Risks: The Moderating Effect of Internal Control Quality

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  • Xiaolu Feng

    (Faculty of Economics and Management, The National University of Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Malaysia
    School of International Programs, Guangdong University of Finance, Guangzhou 510521, China)

  • Norman Mohd Saleh

    (Faculty of Economics and Management, The National University of Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Malaysia)

Abstract

The 2017 COSO framework highlights the increasing need to incorporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations into firms’ internal control and risk management practices. Top managers play a crucial role in risk management and control. However, it remains unclear whether managerial ability affects ESG risk management. This study investigates the relationship between firms’ ESG risk exposure and managerial ability, and examines whether the quality of internal control (ICQ) influences this relationship. Based on panel data from Chinese listed firms between 2008 and 2022, we found that firms led by more capable managers have lower overall ESG risk exposure, including reduced environmental, social, and governance risks. Furthermore, our findings indicate that higher ICQ strengthens the association between managerial ability and ESG risks. Specifically, an analysis of the five internal control components showed that the mechanisms through which ICQ influences this relationship involve enhancing control environments, risk assessment, control activities, and information and communication channels. Further analysis indicated that the moderating effect of ICQ on the relationship between managerial ability and ESG risks is influenced by management power and the effectiveness of external governance mechanisms.

Suggested Citation

  • Xiaolu Feng & Norman Mohd Saleh, 2024. "Managerial Ability and ESG Risks: The Moderating Effect of Internal Control Quality," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(22), pages 1-25, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:22:p:9838-:d:1518698
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Xiaolu Feng & Norman Mohd Saleh & Kamarul Baraini Keliwon & Aziatul Waznah Ghazali, 2025. "Can Multiple Large Shareholders Mitigate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Controversies?," World, MDPI, vol. 6(1), pages 1-24, February.

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