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The ESG performance influence mechanism analysis-based on empirical analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Lihua Ma
  • Xiuling Yuan
  • Jingyi Lu
  • Yifan Li
  • Weiqi Gao
  • Huizhe Yan
  • Xuedong Zhang

Abstract

ESG has emerged as a prominent method for evaluating enterprises, gaining increasing importance in recent years. It assesses a company’s ability to promote sustainable economic development and fulfill its social responsibilities, encompassing three non-financial dimensions: environmental, social, and corporate governance. Regulatory authorities, industry associations, and investment institutions worldwide have placed growing emphasis on a company’s ESG performance. From the perspective of career concern, this study conducted a multiple regression analysis using data from Chinese A-share companies listed in Shanghai and Shenzhen from 2011 to 2020. It used CEO shareholding and CEO political affiliation as moderating variables to examine the impact of CEO career concerns on the corporate environment, society, and corporate governance performance. Empirical testing of whether CEO career concerns promote or suppress the ESG performance in enterprises. The findings of this study reveal that CEOs with heightened career concerns tend to impede the ESG performance of their respective enterprises. Additionally, CEO shareholding and political affiliations exert a negative moderating influence on the relationship between CEO career concerns and ESG performance. This research significantly extends the investigation into factors influencing ESG performance, offering fresh perspectives that could inform improved CEO oversight, foster corporate transformation, and enhance ESG performance.

Suggested Citation

  • Lihua Ma & Xiuling Yuan & Jingyi Lu & Yifan Li & Weiqi Gao & Huizhe Yan & Xuedong Zhang, 2024. "The ESG performance influence mechanism analysis-based on empirical analysis," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 19(5), pages 1-21, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0295548
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295548
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Han, Qingyang & Gao, Hongying, 2025. "Facilitating or inhibiting? The impact of climate policy uncertainty on enterprises' ESG performance in China," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 86(C), pages 1329-1345.

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