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How digital leadership guides ESG sustainability

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  • Qiao, Penghua
  • Zhao, Yuying
  • Fung, Anna
  • Fung, Hung-Gay

Abstract

This study examines how digital leadership increases corporate ESG performance in the Chinese manufacturing sector from 2009 to 2022. Our analysis reveals how digital leadership not only cultivates ESG excellence but also drives advancements in digital transformation and stock trading activities, which further improve ESG performance. Additionally, we note a significantly stronger positive relationship between digital leadership and ESG performance for companies led by female executives, those with executives possessing environmental expertise, firms offering liability insurance to board members and executives, and those operating in regions with robust governmental environmental policies.

Suggested Citation

  • Qiao, Penghua & Zhao, Yuying & Fung, Anna & Fung, Hung-Gay, 2025. "How digital leadership guides ESG sustainability," Research in International Business and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 73(PB).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:riibaf:v:73:y:2025:i:pb:s0275531924004379
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ribaf.2024.102644
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