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Does country sustainability improve firm ESG reporting transparency? The moderating role of firm industry and CSR engagement

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  • Hoang, Thi Hong Van
  • Pham, Linh
  • Nguyen, Thanh Thi Phuong

Abstract

Sustainable development is a crucial topic of public debate, and the private sector is essential to achieving the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Previous research has shown that Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting can encourage firms to better integrate sustainability in their strategy. In such context, this study investigates the relationship between a country's SDG achievements and firms' engagement in ESG reporting by analysing a large sample of 1327 firms in 14 countries from 2016 to 2020. Our main finding reveals a significant positive relationship between a country's SDG achievement and firms' ESG disclosure transparency scores. This effect is particularly strong for firms in light industries, firms with a higher Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) engagement, and those with the presence of women on their boards of directors. We conducted multiple sensitivity analyses, and our findings are robust, which can provide useful recommendations for firms, investors, and policymakers.

Suggested Citation

  • Hoang, Thi Hong Van & Pham, Linh & Nguyen, Thanh Thi Phuong, 2023. "Does country sustainability improve firm ESG reporting transparency? The moderating role of firm industry and CSR engagement," Economic Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 125(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecmode:v:125:y:2023:i:c:s0264999323001633
    DOI: 10.1016/j.econmod.2023.106351
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    Keywords

    Sustainable development goals; ESG reporting; CSR; Governance;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G3 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance

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