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Digital transformation and corporate ESG: Evidence from China

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  • Zhao, Xiaoxia
  • Cai, Lianghui

Abstract

With the fast growing of digital technologies, digitalization is becoming a dominant force in corporate operation. This paper examines the impact of digital transformation on corporate environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG). Based on the data of heavy polluters in China's A-share market from 2010- 2021, the study finds that heavy polluters with a high degree of digital transformation have higher ESG levels. Furthermore, there are heterogeneous characteristics of digital transformation to enhance ESG responsibility performance, and in state-owned firms heavy, ESG level is more sensitive to digital transformation.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhao, Xiaoxia & Cai, Lianghui, 2023. "Digital transformation and corporate ESG: Evidence from China," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 58(PA).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:finlet:v:58:y:2023:i:pa:s1544612323006827
    DOI: 10.1016/j.frl.2023.104310
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    Cited by:

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    4. Jun, Xiao & Ai, Junwei & Zheng, Lingfeng & Lu, Meiting & Wang, Jianye, 2024. "Impact of information technology and industrial development on corporate ESG practices: Evidence from a pilot program in China," Economic Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 139(C).
    5. Wang, Zhen & Tang, Pei, 2024. "Substantive digital innovation or symbolic digital innovation: Which type of digital innovation is more conducive to corporate ESG performance?," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 93(PB), pages 1212-1228.
    6. Zhao, Zhihui & Liu, Wei & Ning, Yiyi & Yang, Shiyu, 2024. "Can China go green through digitalization? Evidence from China's listed firms," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 94(C).
    7. Tang, Hua & Xiong, Langyu & Peng, Ru, 2024. "The mediating role of investor confidence on ESG performance and firm value: Evidence from Chinese listed firms," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 61(C).
    8. Lu, Hongyu & Cheng, Zhao, 2024. "Digital inclusive finance and corporate ESG performance: The moderating role of executives with financial backgrounds," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 60(C).
    9. Jingzhuo Yu & Yong-Sik Hwang, 2024. "The Interaction Effects of Board Independence and Digital Transformation on Environmental, Social, and Governance Performance: Complementary or Substitutive?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(20), pages 1-26, October.
    10. Nie, Jun & Jian, Xin & Xu, Juanjuan & Xu, Nuo & Jiang, Tangyang & Yu, Yang, 2024. "The effect of corporate social responsibility practices on digital transformation in China: A resource-based view," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 82(C), pages 1-15.
    11. Li, Wentao & Li, Xue & Peng, Lanying & Ning, Chong, 2024. "Silent actions: Digital transformation in private enterprises with state equity participation," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 65(C).
    12. Haotian Wu & Qiqi Sun & Zhihong Zhang & Dongmei Wang, 2024. "Does Board Internationalization Affect Corporate ESG Performance? Evidence from Chinese A-Share-Listed Companies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(23), pages 1-32, December.

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