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Executive Compensation Tied to ESG Performance: International Evidence

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  • SHIRA COHEN
  • IGOR KADACH
  • GAIZKA ORMAZABAL
  • STEFAN REICHELSTEIN

Abstract

Using a wide sample of international publicly traded firms, this paper studies the rapidly increasing practice of incorporating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) metrics in executive compensation contracts. Our evidence suggests that this compensation practice varies at the country, industry, and firm levels in ways that are consistent with efficient incentive contracting. We also observe that reliance on ESG metrics in executive compensation arrangements is associated with engagement, voting, and trading by institutional investors, which suggests that firms could be adopting this practice to align their management's objectives with the preferences of certain shareholder groups. Finally, we find that the adoption of ESG Pay is accompanied by improvements in key ESG outcomes, but not by improvements in financial performance.

Suggested Citation

  • Shira Cohen & Igor Kadach & Gaizka Ormazabal & Stefan Reichelstein, 2023. "Executive Compensation Tied to ESG Performance: International Evidence," Journal of Accounting Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 61(3), pages 805-853, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:joares:v:61:y:2023:i:3:p:805-853
    DOI: 10.1111/1475-679X.12481
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    3. Patrick Velte, 2024. "Archival research on sustainability‐related executive compensation. A literature review of the status quo and future improvements," Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 31(4), pages 3119-3147, July.
    4. Zeng, Yongliang & Zhao, Xiangfang & Zhu, Yiwen, 2023. "Equity incentives and ESG performance: Evidence from China," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 58(PC).
    5. Zhie Wang & Xiaoyong Wang & Xuexin Liu & Jun Zhang & Jingde Xu & Jun Ma, 2024. "A Novel Stacked Generalization Ensemble-Based Hybrid SGM-BRR Model for ESG Score Prediction," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(16), pages 1-25, August.
    6. Wang, Jiaxin & Cheng, Ruonan & Huang, Yong & Yan, Chao, 2023. "The pre-IPO dividend and IPO underpricing: Evidence from China," Pacific-Basin Finance Journal, Elsevier, vol. 82(C).
    7. Giulio Cornelli & Magdalena Erdem & Egon Zakrajsek, 2024. "CEO turnover risk and firm environmental performance," BIS Working Papers 1190, Bank for International Settlements.

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