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Advancing understanding of ESG score and executive compensation relationships in the Indian context

Author

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  • Ajay, Ranjitha
  • Jory, Surendranath Rakesh
  • Syamraj, K.P.

Abstract

This study examines the impact of environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) performance metrics on executive compensation in India using a sample of top-listed firms from 2007 to 2021 and controls for various firm-level characteristics. Findings show that a higher ESG score is associated with higher executive compensation. The subsample analyses examines how business-group affiliations and environmental sensitivity affect executive compensation. Results reveal that business-group affiliated firms with higher ESG scores tend to have higher executive compensation than nonaffiliated firms. Moreover, environmentally sensitive firms with higher governance pillar scores, which represent better governance practices, show higher executive compensation. Finally, high ESG scores and executive compensation is associated with better firm performance.

Suggested Citation

  • Ajay, Ranjitha & Jory, Surendranath Rakesh & Syamraj, K.P., 2024. "Advancing understanding of ESG score and executive compensation relationships in the Indian context," Global Finance Journal, Elsevier, vol. 62(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:glofin:v:62:y:2024:i:c:s1044028324000656
    DOI: 10.1016/j.gfj.2024.100993
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Executive compensation; ESG; Business-group affiliation; Environmentally sensitive industry;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • M12 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - Personnel Management; Executives; Executive Compensation
    • M14 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - Corporate Culture; Diversity; Social Responsibility
    • Q50 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - General
    • Q56 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environment and Development; Environment and Trade; Sustainability; Environmental Accounts and Accounting; Environmental Equity; Population Growth
    • G30 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - General
    • G32 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Financing Policy; Financial Risk and Risk Management; Capital and Ownership Structure; Value of Firms; Goodwill

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