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How ESG enhances corporate competitiveness: Mechanisms and Evidence

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  • Ni, Kejin
  • Zhang, Rui
  • Tan, Lei
  • Lai, Xiaobing

Abstract

This paper uses data from Chinese A-share listed companies (2007∼2021) to investigate the impact of ESG performance on corporate competitiveness and its mechanism. Using a fixed-effects model, this paper finds that ESG performance significantly enhances corporate competitiveness. ESG exerts its influence by reducing financing constraints, enhancing corporate reputation, reducing agency conflicts, and promoting innovation. Heterogeneity analysis finds that firm size, financing convenience, local fiscal spending on science, and management ownership moderate this effect. This study enriches research on the drivers of corporate competitiveness and provides empirical support for long-term value investing in ESG in emerging markets.

Suggested Citation

  • Ni, Kejin & Zhang, Rui & Tan, Lei & Lai, Xiaobing, 2024. "How ESG enhances corporate competitiveness: Mechanisms and Evidence," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 69(PB).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:finlet:v:69:y:2024:i:pb:s1544612324012789
    DOI: 10.1016/j.frl.2024.106249
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    Cited by:

    1. Tao Zhu & Dongjiao Liu & Lequan Zhang, 2025. "Does ESG Performance Help Corporate Deleveraging? Based on an Analysis of Excessive Corporate Debt," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(3), pages 1-22, February.

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