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Uncovering the role of foreign ownership in the relationship between board nationality diversity and ESG

Author

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  • Mohamed Abdelkader

    (School of Management, Huazhong University of science and Technology, Hubei, Wuhan 430074, China)

  • Yongqiang Gao

    (School of Management, Huazhong University of science and Technology, Hubei, Wuhan 430074, China)

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between board nationality diversity (BND) and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) in developing countries. It also highlights the role of legitimacy concerns in investigating how foreign ownership moderates the connection between BND and ESG due to the increased liability of foreignness. Using a sample of listed firms in Johannesburg stock exchange (JSE) in South Africa over 2015–2020, our two-step system GMM findings show that board nationality diversity positively affects ESG. Moreover, our study found that foreign ownership strengthens the positive connection between BND and ESG. Our study contributes to the literature by highlighting the importance of legitimacy theory in the dynamic nexus between BND and ESG. The findings of this study have substantial implications for firms, investors, and stakeholders. Key Words:Board Nationality diversity, ESG, Foreign Ownership

Suggested Citation

  • Mohamed Abdelkader & Yongqiang Gao, 2023. "Uncovering the role of foreign ownership in the relationship between board nationality diversity and ESG," International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science (2147-4478), Center for the Strategic Studies in Business and Finance, vol. 12(9), pages 288-302, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:rbs:ijbrss:v:12:y:2023:i:9:p:288-302
    DOI: 10.20525/ijrbs.v12i9.3079
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kais Bouslah & Abdelmajid Hmaittane & Lawrence Kryzanowski & Bouchra M’Zali, 2023. "CSR Structures: Evidence, Drivers, and Firm Value Implications," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 185(1), pages 115-145, June.
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    Cited by:

    1. Naiping Zhu & Timothy Masuni Nagriwum & Ummar Faruk Saeed, 2025. "Advancing ESG Performance in MENA Economies: Do Governance Structures and Eco‐Technology Matter?," Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 32(6), pages 7793-7815, November.

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